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Mental Health Check Up Mental health screenings help distinguish between normal issues and clinical. They can also assist people to detect early symptoms of anxiety or depression to ensure that treatment can be initiated before the issue becomes more grave. Set realistic goals for your visit, such as the description of your symptoms, obtaining a diagnosis and creating a treatment plan. Symptoms A mental health check-up typically consists of an assessment questionnaire and physical exam. Doctors might also inquire about a person's past experiences and thoughts. Being honest and complete in answering questions is important. During the exam, the doctor will probably take notes on a person's behavior and symptoms. They might even consult an individual from the family or a acquaintance for information. One might find it helpful to keep a journal of their thoughts and feelings in the days or weeks prior to their appointment. The journal can be brought to the appointment, or it can be given to their doctor to read. It is also an excellent idea to make a list of all medications, which includes herbal supplements and other over-the-counter medications. If someone is suffering from mental health symptoms and is experiencing mental health issues, they should make an appointment with a physician as soon as possible. The need for help is particularly crucial if the symptoms are causing major disruption to everyday life or make it difficult to maintain relationships. If the patient tried to manage symptoms on their own, but failed, they should talk to their physician about finding specialists or a community resource. It's important to be aware that seeking help for mental health issues isn't an indication of weakness. Instead, it's an important step towards healing. Many people are unaware that mental illness may be accompanied by physical symptoms. It's important to have regular physical examinations to ensure that your doctor can test for any underlying issues. Talkspace articles are written by experienced mental health contributors, and are reviewed by an expert panel of clinical experts (therapists and psychiatrists of different specialties). We strive to provide most accurate, valuable and reliable information that is possible. We use reliable third-party sources, and we provide links to them in the text or at the end of each article. This assists readers in making informed decisions about their health. We have a team that includes medical and editorial reviewers who ensure the highest quality content. Diagnosis If you are suffering from a cold or a headache and headache, you visit your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis. However, when it comes to mental health issues, many people brush the symptoms under the rug, hoping they will go away by themselves. A mental health checkup could be as important as a physical. During the examination during the assessment, you'll speak with your doctor or mental health professional about your thoughts and behavior. They will inquire about your work and home life, whether you have family members or friends who could be a support and how you manage stress. They will be interested in knowing if you have had any painful experiences in the past, and if you use alcohol or drugs. They will also want to hear about your religious beliefs and the goals you set for yourself in life. Your doctor will take a thorough medical history and perform a physical exam. They will also likely do tests on your lab to rule out physical ailments, like an imbalance in electrolytes or thyroid condition that could be the cause of your symptoms. During the interview the doctor will observe the way you describe your symptoms and observe your body language for clues as to what disorder you may be suffering from. They will also consult Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to determine the correct diagnosis. During a psychiatric evaluation or psychological assessment your doctor will take into account all of this information to determine the best treatment for you. They will also assist you to locate local resources for help. If your doctor suspects that you have a serious mental illness, he or she will develop a treatment plan which could include medication, therapy, or counseling. They will recommend periodic appointments to track your progress and see how you're responding to treatment. If necessary, they will refer you to a specialist. Treatment A person who suffers from a mental health issue may benefit from treatment. A psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist can offer a variety of treatments and medications that can help patients manage their symptoms. Treatment is often required when the patient isn't functioning properly in their everyday lives or is suicidal. Many people are diagnosed as having mental illness after seeing their primary doctor or being directed to a specialist by a friend or relative. A medical exam could include questions about the patient's mood, sleep, appetite, feelings, and other factors that might suggest a mental health issue. The patient could also be asked about his or her previous health history. Depending on the severity of the person's symptoms, the doctor may conduct a scan or lab test of the brain to determine if there are any physical causes. how can i get a mental health assessment in sleep or eating habits could be a warning indication of anxiety or depression. Other signs of a mental health problem include a loss of interest in activities, feeling depressed or hopeless, or having thoughts about harming you or others. It is important to discuss anxiety and mood disorders when you have an appointment because they could have serious consequences. Psychiatrists are trained to recognize mental disorders and psychological problems. They can prescribe medications or other treatments. They may also suggest a lifestyle or self-care regimen to treat symptoms. They can also help you develop coping skills, such as meditation and yoga. Some psychiatrists treat children and some specialize in specific conditions, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. It is a good idea to schedule mental health checkups to be scheduled with the same frequency as physical checks. The symptoms of a mental health problem can be just as serious as those of physical ailments and can have lasting impacts on the individual's life. Many health insurance plans provide mental health services. U.S. law requires that insurance companies not charge higher copayments and coinsurance for psychiatric treatment than other services. Follow-up Patients with mental health issues should be following appointments with their doctor the same way they would with physical exams. But they also need the assistance of a group of professionals to help them keep their treatment on track. In the case of mental illness, this network may include nurses, counselors and psychologists. Ideally, these providers can be located in the same office or facility as the primary medical doctor. This way, the patient doesn't need to go to a separate building or another part of the hospital to see them. Patients with serious mental illness or chronic medical conditions should be followed up promptly. Research suggests that people suffering from a combination chronic medical and mental problems are more likely to be admitted to hospital and die as compared to those who only have one condition. Untreated general medical conditions may result in psychiatric disorders and increase the risk for suicide. The HEDIS measure that requires a follow-up appointment with an outpatient within seven days following the discharge from a psychiatric facility has great importance. Recent research suggests that those who receive this type of follow-up are more likely to seek outpatient treatment that includes mental health services. This includes psychotherapy sessions and assertive community therapy (ACT for schizophrenia). Adults who underwent their first outpatient follow-up within 7 days following the discharge from a psychiatric hospital were less likely to be hospitalized for any cause in the next six months than adults who did not receive this kind of mental health follow-up. This was the case for both the depression and schizophrenia cohorts. These differences were not statistically significant and tiny, suggesting that different factors may be at play. Patients who received a digital card that reminded them of their appointment, had an increase of 9 points in attendance, compared to those who didn't. While the results of this study weren't statistically significant, they suggest that simple strategies can increase the chances that patients suffering from mental illness will keep their follow-up appointments. This is a crucial step to avoid unnecessary hospitalizations and emergency department visits.