Mental Health Check Up
Screenings for mental health help differentiate between normal concerns and clinical ones. They can also help patients detect early signs of anxiety or depression to ensure that treatment can be initiated before the issue becomes more serious.
Set realistic goals for your appointment, for example, writing down your symptoms, obtaining a diagnosis and creating a treatment plan.
Symptoms
A mental health check-up typically consists of the completion of a questionnaire as well as a physical examination. Doctors may also inquire about a person's past experiences and emotions. It is important to be truthful and answer the questions thoroughly. During the examination, the doctor will probably keep a record of a patient's behavior and symptoms. They may even request an individual from the family or a friend for details. It could be beneficial to keep a record of their thoughts and emotions throughout the days or weeks before their appointment. They can take this journal with them to the evaluation or hand it to their doctor to review. It is also an excellent idea to make a list of all medications, including herbal supplements and other over-the-counter medications.
If you are experiencing mental health issues, it's important to make an appointment immediately. The need for help is particularly crucial when the symptoms are causing major disruption to everyday life or make it difficult to maintain relationships. If the patient tried to manage symptoms by themselves and failed, they should speak to their physician about finding a specialist to help or other resources available to the community.
It's important to remember that seeking help for mental health issues isn't a sign weakness. It's actually a step towards healing. Many people are unaware that mental illness can manifest with physical symptoms. Therefore, it's important to undergo regular physical exams to allow a doctor to determine if there are any underlying conditions that need treatment.
Talkspace articles are written by experienced mental health-wellness contributors and reviewed by an expert panel of clinical experts (therapists and psychiatrists with various specialties). We strive to provide most accurate, valuable and objective information we can. We rely on trusted third-party sources and include links to them in the text or at the end of each article. This allows readers to make informed health decisions. We also have a team of editorial and medical reviewers to ensure highest quality content.
Diagnosis
When you have a bad headache or cold, visit your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis. When it comes to mental issues, people tend to brush symptoms under the rug and believe that they will disappear by themselves. A mental health checkup could be just as important as an annual physical exam.
During the mental health assessment you will discuss with your physician or mental health professional about your feelings, behavior and issues. They will ask about your home and work life, if you have family members or friends who could be a support and how you manage stress.
They will ask you if you have ever been in a traumatic situation and if alcohol or drugs are used. They'll also want to learn about your religion and the goals you set for yourself in life.
Your doctor will take a thorough medical history and conduct a physical examination. They will also likely do tests in the lab to rule out physical illnesses, like an imbalance in electrolytes or thyroid disease, as the cause of your symptoms.
During the consultation, your doctor will listen closely to your symptoms and watch your body language to determine what kind of disorder might be present. They will also consult the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to determine the appropriate diagnosis.
During a psychiatric evaluation or psychological assessment your doctor will take into account all of the information provided in order to determine the most effective treatment for you. They can also help you locate local resources that can assist you. If your doctor thinks you have a mental illness, they will make a plan for treatment that can include medication, therapy or counseling. They may recommend that you attend follow-up appointments in order to track your progress and see how you respond to treatment. If necessary, they'll refer you to an expert.
Treatment
Treatment can be beneficial for people suffering from mental illness. A therapist, psychiatrist or psychologist may offer a variety therapies and medications to manage symptoms. Someone may require treatment if they are unable to function well in their daily life or if suicidal. Many people are diagnosed with a mental disorder after visiting their primary physician or a family or friend member refers them to a specialist.
A medical check-up may include questions about the patient's mood and sleeping patterns, appetite, and other signs that may be indicative of a mental illness. You may also ask about the person's past mental health background. Based on the severity of the person's symptoms, the doctor might conduct a scan or lab test of the brain to determine if there are any physical causes.
If a person notices changes in their eating or sleeping habits, these can be early indicators of anxiety or depression. Other signs of a mental health problem include a loss of interest in activities, feeling depressed or gloomy, or having thoughts about harming yourself or others. It is essential to discuss anxiety and mood disorders during the course of a physical exam because they could cause serious harm.
Psychiatrists are trained to diagnose mental disorders and psychological issues. They can prescribe medication and other treatments, and they may recommend a specific routine of self-care or a lifestyle to help manage symptoms. They can also teach techniques for coping, like meditation and yoga. Some psychiatrists specialize in treating children while others are specialists in certain disorders like Bipolar Disorder or schizophrenia.
It is a good idea to schedule mental health checks to be scheduled at the same frequency as physical checkups. Symptoms of a mental health issue can be just as serious as those of a physical condition and can have lasting effects on the life of a person. The majority of health insurance plans offer mental health services. U.S. law requires that insurance companies not charge higher copayments and coinsurance for psychiatric services than other services.
Follow-up
Patients with mental health problems must follow up with their doctors the same way they would do with a physical examination. They also need the support from a team of professionals who can assist them in staying on the right track in their treatment. In the case of mental illness, this may include psychologists, counselors, and nurses. They should be located within the same office as the primary physician. This way, the patient does not need to go to a different building or another part of the hospital to visit them.
The need for timely follow-up is especially important for those suffering from comorbid severe mental illness and chronic general medical illnesses. Research has shown that those with a combination of chronic mental and medical issues are more likely to be hospitalized and die as compared to those who only have one disorder. Additionally, untreated general medical conditions can cause psychiatric symptoms and increase the likelihood of suicide.
The HEDIS measure that requires a first follow-up appointment with an outpatient within seven days following the discharge from a psychiatric facility is of great importance. The findings of the study indicate that people who receive this type of follow-up are more likely to seek outpatient services, including mental health services. This includes both medication compliance and psychotherapy sessions, as well as assertive community treatment (ACT, which is a treatment for schizophrenia).
Adults who received their first outpatient mental health follow-up within 7 days of the psychiatric discharge are less likely to be hospitalized during the next six months due to any reason than adults who don't receive this type follow-up. This was true for both schizophrenia and depression groups. However, these variations were minor and not statistically significant, indicating that there could be other factors in play.
Additionally those who received a self-assessment form that reminded them of their appointment were 9 percentage points more likely to make their follow-up appointment than those who didn't. Although the results of this study were not statistically significant, the results suggest that simple strategies can improve the odds that patients with mental health issues will attend their follow-up appointments. This is an important measure to avoid unnecessary readmissions and emergency department visits.