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Mental Health Check Up Mental health screenings help distinguish between common concerns and those that are clinical. They can also allow people to recognize early signs of anxiety or depression which means treatment can be initiated before the problems become more grave. You'll need to establish reasonable goals for your appointment, like describing your symptoms, obtaining the diagnosis and determining an appropriate treatment plan. Symptoms A mental health exam typically includes a questionnaire and a physical examination. Doctors may also ask about your past experiences and feelings. It is important to be honest and be able to answer the questions clearly. During the exam, the doctor will probably take notes on a person's behavior and symptoms. They may even consult an individual from the family or a friend for details. It can be helpful for a person to keep a diary of their thoughts and emotions throughout the days or weeks before their appointment. This journal can be taken to the appointment, or it can be given to their doctor for reading. It can also be a good idea to prepare an inventory of all medication they are taking, which includes herbal supplements and prescription drugs. If a person is experiencing mental health issues or signs, they should make an appointment with a physician immediately. The need for help is particularly crucial when the symptoms are causing major disruption to daily life or if they make it difficult to maintain relationships. If someone has tried to manage their symptoms on their own without success, they should talk with their doctor about obtaining an appointment with a specialist or seeking out local resources that can assist. It's important to keep in mind that seeking assistance for mental health issues isn't a sign of weakness. It's actually a step towards healing. Many people don't know that mental illness can present with physical symptoms. It is important to keep up with regular physical examinations so that your doctor can test for any underlying issues. Talkspace articles are written by skilled mental health contributors and reviewed by a panel of clinical experts (therapists and psychiatrists from different specialties). We aim to provide accurate, valuable and reliable information. We rely on trusted 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 regarding their health. Our team includes editors and medical experts who ensure the highest quality content. Diagnosis If you're suffering from a severe headache or cold, you visit your doctor and get an accurate diagnosis. When it comes to mental issues it is commonplace to sweep symptoms under the rug and believe that they will disappear on their own. A mental health checkup can be just as crucial as a physical. During the examination during the assessment, you'll speak with your doctor or a mental health professional about your feelings and behaviors. They will ask you about your home and work life, whether you have family members or friends who could help you and how you manage stress. They will ask you whether you've ever been in a stressful situation, and whether alcohol or other drugs were used. They will also inquire about your beliefs regarding religion, and what goals you are pursuing in your life. Your doctor might take a thorough medical history and conduct a physical examination. They will also likely do tests in the lab to rule out physical ailments like an imbalance in electrolytes or thyroid disease which could be the reason for your symptoms. During the interview, your doctor will listen to how you describe your symptoms, and also observe your body language to find clues to determine what disorder you may be suffering from. They will also refer to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to determine the most appropriate diagnosis. During a psychiatric evaluation or psychological assessment your doctor will take into account all of the information provided to determine the best treatment for you. They will also help you locate local resources for help. If your doctor suspects that you have an illness of the mind that is serious, he or she will create a treatment plan that may include therapy, medication or counseling. They will suggest follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and see how you are responding to treatment. If necessary, they will refer you to an expert. Treatment Treatment is beneficial for those suffering from mental illness. A psychiatrist, therapist, or psychologist can provide various therapies and medications to manage symptoms. A person may need treatment if they are unable to perform well in their daily life or if suicidal. Many people are diagnosed with having mental disorders after seeing their primary physician or having been referred to an expert by a family member or friend. A medical exam could include questions regarding the patient's mood as well as sleep and appetite, as well as feelings and other indicators that could indicate a mental health problem. The person might be asked about his or her prior health background. The doctor may perform brain scans or lab tests depending on the intensity and duration of the symptoms. If someone experiences changes in eating or sleeping habits These could be early signs of depression or an anxiety disorder. Other signs of mental health issues include feeling hopeless or depressed, or thinking of harming yourself or others. Anxiety and mood problems can have serious consequences, so it is crucial to talk about these concerns during a health exam. Psychiatrists are trained for the diagnosis of various psychological problems and mental illnesses. They are able to prescribe medications and other treatments, and they may recommend a specific lifestyle or self-care regimen to help manage symptoms. They may also instruct strategies for coping, such as yoga and meditation. Some psychiatrists specialize in treating children, and some specialize in certain disorders, like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. It is a good idea to schedule mental health checkup s to be scheduled at the same frequency as physical health checkups. Mental health issues can trigger symptoms that are just as severe as physical conditions and may have a lasting impact on the quality of life of a person. Many health insurance plans provide mental health services. U.S. law requires that insurance companies do not charge higher copayments or coinsurance for psychiatric treatment than other services. Follow-up Mental health patients must follow up with their physicians like they would with physical exams. They also require the assistance from a professional network who can help them stay on the right track in their treatment. In the case of mental illness, this network may include nurses, counselors and psychologists. In the ideal situation, these professionals can be found in the same office or facility as the primary medical doctor. This means that the patient doesn't need to travel to a separate building or a different area of the hospital in order to see them. Patients with serious mental illness and chronic medical conditions must be checked up promptly. Research suggests that people who have a mix of mental and medical health problems have higher rates of hospital admissions and death than those with either condition alone. Untreated general medical conditions may cause psychiatric issues and increase the risk of suicide. The HEDIS measure that requires a follow-up visit to an outpatient within seven days following the discharge from a psychiatric facility has great importance. Recent research suggests that patients who receive this type of follow-up will be more likely to seek outpatient care, including mental health services. This includes psychotherapy, medication adherence sessions, and assertive community therapy (ACT for schizophrenia). Adults who have 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 those who don't receive this type of 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 could be at play. In the same way, those who received a self-assessment card reminding them of their appointment were 9 percentage points more likely to make their follow-up appointment than those who did not. While the results of this study were not statistically significant, the results suggest that simple strategies can increase the likelihood that mental health patients will attend their follow-up appointments. This is a crucial step in preventing unnecessary admissions and emergency department visits.