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Mental Health Check Up Mental health screenings help distinguish between common concerns and those that are clinical. They can also assist people to catch early signs of anxiety or depression so that treatment can begin before the issue becomes more serious. Set realistic goals for your visit, such as the description of your symptoms, obtaining an accurate diagnosis and establishing an action plan. Symptoms A mental health check-up typically includes a questionnaire as well as a physical examination. Doctors may also ask about the past experiences and feelings. It's important to be honest and respond to the questions in a thorough manner. The doctor may note down a person's symptoms and behavior during the examination. They may even request someone in the family or a close friend for information. One might find it beneficial to keep a record of their thoughts and feelings during the weeks or days before their appointment. They can take this journal along to the examination or hand it over to their doctor to review. It is also an excellent idea to create a list of all medications, which includes herbal supplements and over-the-counter medicines. If a person is experiencing mental health symptoms, they should schedule an appointment with a medical professional as soon as possible. It is particularly crucial to seek out help when these symptoms cause significant disruption to one's daily routine or causing difficulty to maintain relationships with others. If a patient has tried to manage their symptoms on their own and failed, they should speak to their physician about finding specialists or a community resource. It's important to remember that seeking help for mental health issues is not an indication of weakness. It's actually a positive step towards healing. Many people are unaware that mental illness can manifest with physical symptoms. It's important to have regular physical examinations to ensure your doctor can look for any underlying issues. Talkspace articles are written and reviewed by experts in clinical medicine (therapists, psychiatrists and other experts) who are all skilled in the field of mental health and wellness. We strive to provide the most accurate, valuable and objective information possible. We provide links to trusted third-party sources in the article text or at the end of each article. This assists readers in making informed decisions regarding their health. We have a team that includes medical and editorial reviewers who ensure the highest-quality content. Diagnosis If you're suffering from a serious cold or headache, you go to the doctor for an accurate diagnosis. When it comes to mental health issues, people tend to brush symptoms under the carpet and hope that they will disappear by themselves. assessment of mental health can be as crucial as a physical. During the mental health assessment you will talk with your doctor or a mental health professional about your feelings, behavior and problems. They will inquire about your work and home life, if you have family members or friends who could help you, and how well you manage stress. They will want to know if you have experienced any trauma in the past, and if you use alcohol or drugs. They will also want to inquire about your beliefs in religion and the goals you set for yourself in life. Your doctor might take a thorough medical history and perform a physical exam. They can also conduct tests in the lab to rule out physical illnesses out like an electrolyte balance or thyroid disease. During the interview your doctor will observe how you describe your symptoms and watch your body language to find clues as to what disorder you might be suffering from. They will also consult Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to determine the most appropriate diagnosis. When you undergo a psychiatric evaluation, your doctor will consider all of the information provided to determine what treatment is right for you. They will also assist you find local resources for support. If your doctor believes you suffer from a mental disorder they will create a plan for treatment that may include therapy, medication or counseling. They may recommend periodic appointments to track your progress and see how you're responding to treatment. If necessary, they will refer you to an expert. Treatment A person who suffers from a mental health problem might benefit from a treatment. A psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist may provide various therapies and medications to help people manage their symptoms. Treatment is often needed if someone isn't performing well enough in their everyday lives, or if they are suicidal. Many sufferers are diagnosed with a mental disorder after visiting their primary physician or a family or friend member refers them to a specialist. A medical check-up could include questions about the patient's mood as well as sleep appetite, feelings, and other factors that might suggest a mental health issue. The patient may also be asked about his or her previous health history. Based on the severity of the person's symptoms, the doctor may perform lab tests or scans of the brain to determine if there are any physical causes. If a person notices changes in eating or sleeping patterns These could be early signs of depression or an anxiety disorder. Other signs of a mental health problem include loss of enthusiasm for activities, feeling depressed or depressed, or having thoughts about hurting you or others. Anxiety and mood disorders can have grave consequences, which is why it is important to discuss these issues during a exam. Psychiatrists are trained for the diagnosis of various psychological issues 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 treat children and some specialize in certain disorders, like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. It is a good idea to schedule mental health screenings to be scheduled at the same frequency as physical checks. Mental health issues can lead to symptoms that are just as severe as physical conditions, 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 don't charge higher copayments or coinsurance for psychiatric services than they do for other services. Follow-up Patients with mental health issues should follow up with their doctors, just as they would do with a physical examination. They also require support from a network of professionals who can help them stay on track with their treatment. For those suffering from mental illness, this network could include nurses, counselors and psychologists. Ideally, these providers can be found within the same office or facility as the primary doctor of care. The patient won't have to travel across the hospital or another building to see these providers. The need for prompt follow-up is particularly crucial for those with comorbid serious mental illness as well as chronic general medical conditions. Research shows that people with a combination of chronic mental and medical problems are more likely to be admitted to hospital and die as compared to those who only have one illness. Untreated medical conditions can cause psychiatric issues and increase the risk for suicide. In this regard, the HEDIS measure of a first follow-up outpatient visit within 7 days of the discharge from psychiatric care is important. The findings of an upcoming study suggest that those who undergo this kind of follow-up are more likely to seek outpatient services, including mental health services. This includes both medication adherence and psychotherapy sessions and assertive community treatment (ACT, which is a treatment for schizophrenia). Adults who have received their first outpatient mental health treatment within 7 days after a psychiatric discharge are less likely to be hospitalized during the following six months for any reason than those who do not receive this type of follow-up. This was true for both schizophrenia and depression groups. These differences were not statistically significant, and tiny, suggesting that different factors could be at play. The patients who received a printed card that reminded the appointment time had an increase of 9 points in attendance, compared to those who did not receive a reminder. The results of this study, although not statistically significant in nature, suggest that simple strategies could improve the likelihood that patients suffering from mental health issues can keep their appointments. This is a significant step to avoid unnecessary emergency department visits and readmissions.