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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 people detect early symptoms of anxiety or depression to ensure that treatment can be initiated before the issue becomes grave. Set realistic goals for your appointment, for example, describing your symptoms, getting an accurate diagnosis and establishing your treatment plan. Symptoms A mental health check up typically consists of a questionnaire and a physical exam. Doctors might also inquire about the person's previous experiences and feelings. It is essential to be truthful and be able to answer the questions clearly. During the exam the doctor will likely keep a record of a patient's behavior and symptoms. They might even ask a family member or friend for details. A person can find it helpful to keep a journal of their thoughts and feelings during the days or weeks before their appointment. The journal can be brought with them to the appointment or hand it over to their doctor to read. just click the next website can also be a good idea to prepare an inventory of all medicines they are taking, including herbal supplements and prescription drugs. If you're suffering from mental health symptoms it is important to schedule an appointment as soon as you can. It is especially crucial to seek out help in cases where these symptoms are causing significant disruption in one's daily routine or making it difficult to maintain relationships with other people. If the patient tried to manage symptoms on their own, but failed, they should speak with their doctor about locating a specialist to help or a community resource. It is important to remember that seeking help with mental health issues shouldn't be an indication of weakness. It's actually a step towards healing. Many people are unaware that mental illness can present with physical symptoms. Therefore, it's crucial to undergo regular physical exams to allow a doctor to look for any underlying conditions that require treatment. Talkspace articles are written by skilled mental health contributors, and are reviewed by a panel of clinical experts (therapists and psychiatrists of various specialties). We strive to provide accurate, useful and reliable information. We link to trusted third-party sources in the article text or at the end of each article. This helps readers make informed decisions about their health. We also have a team of editorial and medical reviewers to ensure highest quality content. Diagnosis If you suffer from headaches or colds and headache, you visit your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis. When you have mental issues it is commonplace to sweep symptoms under the carpet and believe that they'll go away by themselves. The truth is that a mental health check up is just as important as a physical health check-up. During the mental health assessment, you will discuss with your doctor or a mental health professional about your thoughts, behaviors and problems. They will also ask questions about your work and home life, if you have family members or friends who provide an important support system and how you cope with stress. They'll want to know if you have experienced any trauma in the past, as well as if you use drugs or alcohol. They will also want to hear about your religious beliefs and the goals you have for yourself in life. Your doctor may take a thorough medical history and conduct a physical examination. They can also conduct tests in the lab to rule out physical illnesses out, such as an electrolyte balance or thyroid disease. During the interview, your doctor will listen to the way you describe your symptoms and watch your body language to find clues to determine what disorder you may be suffering from. They will also consult Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to determine the appropriate diagnosis. During a psychiatric evaluation or psychological assessment, your doctor will evaluate all of this information to determine the most effective treatment for you. They will also assist you locate local resources for help. If your doctor thinks you have a mental illness they will develop a plan for treatment which could include therapy, medication or counseling. They will suggest periodic appointments to track your progress and see how you are responding to treatment. They will also refer you to an expert, if needed. Treatment A person who suffers from a mental health issue can benefit from treatment. A psychologist, psychiatrist, or therapist can offer a variety of therapies and medications that can help patients manage their symptoms. Treatment is usually required if a person is not performing well enough in their daily lives or if they are suicidal. Many people are diagnosed with having mental disorders after seeing their primary physician or having been referred to the specialist by a family member or friend. A medical check up may include questions about the patient's mood and sleep patterns appetite, feelings, and other indicators that could indicate a mental health problem. You can also inquire about the patient's previous mental health history. The doctor may perform brain scans or laboratory tests depending on the severity and duration of the symptoms. If a person experiences changes in eating or sleeping habits they could be early signs of anxiety or depression. Other indicators of a mental health problem include a loss of interest in activities, feeling sad or gloomy or thinking about hurting yourself or others. The anxiety and mood problems can have serious harm, so it is crucial to discuss these concerns during a health exam. Psychiatrists are trained to diagnose mental disorders and psychological issues. They may prescribe medication or other treatments, and could suggest a lifestyle or self-care regimen to treat symptoms. They can also teach strategies for coping, like yoga and meditation. Certain psychiatrists specialize in treating children and others are specialists in certain disorders like Bipolar Disorder or schizophrenia. It is a good idea to schedule mental health checkups with the same frequency as physical health checkups. Mental health issues can trigger symptoms that are just as severe as physical ailments and can cause lasting effects on a person's life. Most health insurance plans cover mental health care and U.S. laws require that insurance companies do not charge higher coinsurance or copayments for psychiatric services than they do for other services. Follow-up Similar to a physical exam patients with mental health issues should follow-up with their medical professionals. They also need the support from a professional network who can help them stay in the right direction in their treatment. In the case of mental illness, this might include psychologists, counselors and nurses. In the ideal situation, these professionals can be found in the same office or facility as the primary doctor of care. This way, the patient doesn't need to go to a different building or different part of the hospital to visit them. The need for timely follow-up is particularly crucial for those suffering from comorbid severe mental illness and chronic general medical ailments. Research suggests that those with a combination of chronic medical and mental health issues are more likely to be in the risk of hospitalizations and deaths than those who suffer from either by themselves. In addition, untreated general medical conditions can trigger psychiatric issues and increase the chance of suicide. The HEDIS measure that requires a first follow-up appointment with an outpatient within seven days of psychiatric discharge is of great importance. Recent research suggests that those who receive this type of follow-up will be more likely to seek outpatient treatment which includes mental health services. This includes both medication compliance and psychotherapy sessions and assertive community treatment (ACT, which is a treatment for schizophrenia). Adults who had their first outpatient mental health follow-up within 7 days after a psychiatric discharge are less likely to be hospitalized in the next six months due to any reason than adults who don't receive this type of follow-up. This was true both for the depression and schizophrenia cohorts. However, these differences were not statistically significant, which suggests that there could be other factors at work. Patients who received a digital card reminding the appointment time had a 9-point increase in attendance compared to those who didn't. Although the results of this study were not statistically significant, the results suggest that simple strategies can increase the chances that patients with mental health issues will keep their appointments. This is an important step in preventing unnecessary emergency department visits and readmissions.