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Mental Health Check Up Mental health screenings can help differentiate normal, age-appropriate concerns from those that are clinical. They can also help people detect early signs of depression or anxiety to ensure that treatment can be initiated before the issue becomes more serious. You'll need to set realistic goals for your appointment, such as describing your symptoms, getting an assessment and determining an appropriate treatment plan. Signs and symptoms A mental health checkup usually involves a questionnaire and a physical examination. Doctors may also ask about past experiences and feelings. Being honest and truthful in answering questions is crucial. During the exam the doctor may keep a record of a patient's behavior and symptoms. They may even ask a family member or friend for information. One might find it useful to keep a diary of their thoughts and feelings during the weeks or days before their appointment. This journal can be taken to the evaluation or given to their doctor to read. It's also an ideal idea to make a list of any medicines they take, including herbal supplements and over-the-counter medications. If you're suffering from mental health problems, it's important to schedule an appointment as soon as you can. The need for help is particularly crucial in cases where the symptoms cause an extreme disruption to everyday life or make it difficult to maintain relationships. If someone has tried to manage their symptoms on their own with no success, they should speak to their doctor about getting an appointment with a specialist or seeking out local resources that can assist. It's important to remember that seeking help with mental health issues shouldn't be a sign weakness. Instead, it's an important step towards healing. Most people aren't aware that mental illness can often present 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 require treatment. Talkspace articles are written and reviewed by experts in clinical medicine (therapists, psychiatrists and other specialists) who are all highly experienced in the field of mental health and wellness. We aim to provide the most accurate, valuable, and reliable information that is possible. Iam Psychiatry use reliable third-party sources, and we provide links to them in the text or at the end of every article. This assists readers in making informed decisions about their health. We have a team that includes editors and medical experts who ensure the highest-quality content. Diagnosis If you suffer from an illness like a headache or cold, you go to your doctor for a precise diagnosis. However, when it comes down to mental health issues, a lot of people brush the symptoms under the rug and believe they will go away on their own. A mental health exam can be just as crucial as physical exam. During the mental health assessment you will talk with your doctor or a mental health professional about your feelings, behavior and problems. They will ask about your home and work life, whether you have family members or friends who can be a source of support and how well you deal with stress. They will ask whether you've been in a traumatic situation, and whether or not alcohol or other substances are employed. They will also inquire about your beliefs regarding religion, and what goals you have in life. Your doctor will likely conduct an examination of your body and take a detailed medical history. They will also likely do tests on your lab to rule out physical illnesses, like an electrolyte imbalance or thyroid condition which could be the reason for your symptoms. During the interview, your doctor will listen to the way you describe your symptoms, and also observe your body language for clues as to what disorder you may be suffering from. They will also consult the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to identify the appropriate diagnosis. During a psychiatric evaluation or psychological assessment, your doctor will evaluate all of the information provided in order to determine the most effective treatment for you. They can also help you locate local resources to support you. If your doctor suspects that you have a mental illness, they will make an action plan that may include therapy, medication or counseling. They will suggest that you attend follow-up appointments in order to keep track of your progress and to see how you react to treatment. If necessary, they will refer you to a specialist. Treatment Treatment can be beneficial to people suffering from mental illness. A psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist may provide a variety of therapies and medications to help patients manage their symptoms. A person may need treatment if they cannot perform well in their daily life or if suicidal. Many sufferers are diagnosed with a mental disorder after visiting their primary care physician or a friend or family member sends them to specialists. A medical exam could include questions about the patient's mood as well as sleep, appetite, feelings, and other indicators that could indicate a mental health problem. It is also possible to inquire about the patient's previous mental health history. Depending on the severity of the person's symptoms, the doctor might conduct a scan or lab test of the brain to rule out any physical causes. If a person experiences changes in eating or sleeping habits These could be a sign of anxiety or depression. Other indicators of a mental health disorder include a lack of interest in activities, feeling depressed or depressed or thinking about hurting you or others. Anxiety and mood problems can have serious consequences, so it is crucial to talk about these concerns during a health check up. Psychiatrists are trained to diagnose mental disorders and psychological problems. They may prescribe medication or other treatments, and could recommend a lifestyle or self-care regime to manage symptoms. They may also instruct strategies for coping, like yoga and meditation. Some psychiatrists specialize in treating children, and some specialize in specific conditions, such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. It is recommended to schedule mental health checks with the same frequency as physical checksups. Symptoms of a mental health problem may be as severe as those of physical illness, and they can have lasting impacts on the individual's life. The majority of health insurance plans offer mental health services. U.S. law requires that insurance companies don't charge higher copayments or coinsurance for psychiatric services than other services. Follow-up Similar to a physical exam patients suffering from mental illness should follow-up with their doctors. They also require the assistance 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 might include psychologists, counselors, and nurses. The ideal scenario is for these professionals to be found in the same office or facility as the primary medical doctor. This means that the patient doesn't need to go to a separate facility or another part of the hospital to visit them. The need for prompt follow-up is especially important for people with comorbid serious mental illness as well as chronic general medical illnesses. Research shows that people with multiple chronic mental and medical problems are more likely to be hospitalized and eventually die as compared to those who only have one illness. Untreated general medical conditions may cause psychiatric issues and increase the risk of suicide. This is why the HEDIS measure of a first follow-up visit within seven days of psychiatric discharge is important. The findings of an upcoming study suggest that people who receive this type of follow-up are more likely to use outpatient services, which includes mental health services. This includes both medication compliance and psychotherapy sessions, as well as assertive community treatment (ACT for schizophrenia). Adults who received their first outpatient mental health check-up within 7 days of psychiatric discharge are less likely to be hospitalized in the next six months for any reason than adults who do not receive this type of follow-up. This was true for the schizophrenia and depression cohorts. However, the variations were minor and not statistically significant, which suggests that there could be other factors at work. Similarly the people who received a visual self-assessment card that reminded them of their appointment were 9 percentage points more likely to make their follow-up appointment than those who did not. The results of this study, even though not statistically significant in nature suggests that simple strategies could improve the likelihood that patients with mental health issues will keep their follow up appointments. This is an important step to avoid unnecessary emergency department visits and readmissions.