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Mental Health Check Up Mental health screenings can help differentiate normal, age-appropriate issues from clinical ones. They can also help patients catch early symptoms of anxiety or depression so that treatment can begin before the problem becomes more serious. Set realistic goals for your visit, like describing your symptoms, getting a diagnosis and creating your treatment plan. Signs and symptoms A mental health check-up usually involves a questionnaire and physical examination. Doctors may also inquire about the person's past experiences and thoughts. Answering questions honestly and completely is crucial. During the assessment, the doctor will probably keep a record of a patient's behavior and symptoms. They might even consult someone in the family or a close friend for information. A person can find it helpful to keep a journal of their thoughts and feelings in the days or weeks prior to their appointment. They can take this journal with them to the evaluation or hand it to their doctor to read. It's also an ideal idea to make the list of any medication they are taking, including herbal supplements and over-the-counter medications. If you're suffering from mental health issues, it's crucial to make an appointment as soon as possible. It is particularly important to seek help 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 speak to their doctor about getting an appointment with a specialist or seeking out local resources that can assist. It's important to keep in mind that seeking help for mental health issues isn't an indication of weakness. It's actually a positive step towards healing. Most people aren't aware that mental illness can often manifest as physical symptoms. Therefore, it's essential to undergo regular physical exams so that a doctor can determine if there are any underlying conditions that need treatment. Talkspace articles are written by experienced mental health contributors and reviewed by an expert panel of clinicians (therapists and psychiatrists with different specialties). We strive to provide reliable, accurate and objective information. We link to trusted third-party resources in the article text or at the end of each article. This assists readers in making informed decisions about their health. Our team includes editors and medical experts who ensure that we provide the best quality content. Diagnosis If you are suffering from headaches or colds You visit your doctor for a precise diagnosis. When it comes to mental issues it is commonplace to sweep symptoms under the carpet and believe that they will go away by themselves. However, the mental health checkup is just as important as a physical one. During the mental health evaluation, you will discuss with your physician or mental health professional about your thoughts, behaviors and issues. They will ask about your home and work life, if you have family members or friends who could help you and how you deal with stress. They will ask if you have ever been in a difficult circumstance and whether or not alcohol or other substances are employed. They will also ask about your religious beliefs and the goals you have in life. Your doctor may take a thorough medical history and perform a physical exam. They may also perform tests in the lab to rule out physical ailments, like an imbalance in electrolytes or thyroid disorder which could be the reason for your symptoms. During the interview your doctor will pay attention to your symptoms and examine your body language to determine what type of disorder is present. They will also refer to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to identify the appropriate diagnosis. In a psychiatric assessment 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 find local resources that can help you. If your doctor suspects that you have a mental illness they will develop plans for treatment which could include therapy, medication or counseling. They will recommend periodic appointments to track your progress and determine how you're responding to treatment. They can also recommend a specialist, if necessary. Treatment Treatment can be beneficial for someone who has a mental illness. A psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist can offer a variety of treatments and medications to help people manage their symptoms. Patients may require treatment if they are unable to perform well in their everyday life or if suicidal. Many people are diagnosed with having mental disorders after seeing their primary physician or having been directed to the specialist by a family member or friend. A medical exam could include questions regarding the patient's mood, sleep, appetite, feelings, and other signs that could suggest a mental health issue. The patient may be asked about their previous mental health history. The doctor might perform brain scans or lab tests based on the intensity and duration of the symptoms. Changes in sleep or eating habits could be an early sign of depression or anxiety. Other signs of a mental health disorder include a loss of enthusiasm for activities, feeling sad or hopeless, or having thoughts about hurting you or others. It is crucial to talk about anxiety and mood disorders when you have a check-up because they can cause serious harm. Psychiatrists are trained in the diagnosis of various psychological disorders and mental illnesses. They may prescribe medication or other treatments, and could suggest a lifestyle or self-care program to help manage symptoms. They can also teach strategies for coping, such as 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 screenings with the same frequency as physical checkups. Mental health issues can trigger symptoms that are as serious as physical ailments, and can have a lasting impact on a person's life. The majority of health insurance plans cover mental health services, and U.S. laws require that insurance companies don't charge higher coinsurance or copayments for psychiatric services than they do for other types of services. Follow-up Patients with mental health issues should be following appointments with their doctor, just as they would with physical examinations. However, they also require the support of a network of experts to help them adhere to their treatment. In the case of mental illness, this network could include nurses, counselors and psychologists. These providers should be located in the same place as the primary doctor. Patients will not need to travel across the hospital or to an additional building to visit these providers. People suffering from serious mental illness and chronic medical conditions should be followed up promptly. how can i get a mental health assessment has shown that those with a combination of chronic mental and medical issues are more likely to be hospitalized and eventually die as compared to those who only have one illness. Untreated medical conditions can result in psychiatric disorders and increase the risk of suicide. The HEDIS measure that requires a follow-up outpatient visit within seven days after the discharge of a psychiatric patient has great importance. Recent research suggests that those who receive this kind of follow-up will be more likely to seek outpatient services that includes mental health services. This includes both medication adherence 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 the 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 true both for the depression and schizophrenia cohorts. These differences were not statistically significant or small, suggesting that other factors may be at play. Patients who received a digital card reminding them of their appointment, had an increase of 9 points in attendance when compared with those who did not receive a reminder. 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 keep their appointments. This is an important step to avoid unnecessary hospitalizations and emergency department visits.