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Mental Health Check Up Mental health screenings help distinguish between common 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 problem becomes more serious. Set realistic goals for your visit such as the description of your symptoms, obtaining a diagnosis and creating your treatment plan. Symptoms A mental health exam typically involves a questionnaire and physical examination. Doctors may also ask about past experiences and feelings. Being honest and complete in answering questions is essential. During the examination, the doctor will probably note down a person's behavior and symptoms. They may also consult someone in the family or a close friend for details. It could be beneficial for a person to keep a journal of their thoughts and emotions in the days or weeks before their appointment. This journal can be taken to the examination or handed to the doctor to be read by their. It's also a good idea for them to make a list of all medications, which includes herbal supplements and over-the-counter medicines. If a person is experiencing mental health problems, they should schedule an appointment with a doctor immediately. It is especially important to seek help if these symptoms are causing significant disruption to one's daily routine or causing difficulty to maintain relationships with other people. If someone has tried to manage their symptoms by themselves and failed, they should speak to their physician about finding specialists or other resources available to the community. It is important to remember that seeking help for mental health issues isn't an indication of weakness. It's actually a step towards healing. Most people aren't aware that mental illness can often be accompanied by physical symptoms. It is important to keep up with regular physical examinations, so your doctor can look for any underlying issues. Talkspace articles are written by skilled mental health contributors, and are reviewed by an expert panel of clinicians (therapists and psychiatrists with different specialties). We strive to provide most accurate, valuable and objective information possible. We provide links to trusted third-party sources in the text of the article or at the end of every article. This helps readers make informed decisions about their health. We also have a team of editors and medical reviewers to ensure the highest quality content. Diagnosis If you're suffering from a serious cold or headache, you visit your doctor and get an accurate diagnosis. When it comes to mental health issues it is commonplace to sweep symptoms under the rug and believe that they'll disappear on their own. The reality is that a mental health check up is just as important as a physical check-up. During the evaluation you'll be able to talk with your doctor or a mental health professional about your feelings and behaviors. They will also ask you questions about your work and home life, particularly if you have relatives or friends who provide an important support system and how you cope with stress. They'll be interested in knowing if you have had any painful experiences in your past, and if you use alcohol or drugs. They will also ask about your religion, and what goals you are pursuing in your life. Your doctor might conduct a thorough medical history and conduct a physical examination. They will also likely do tests on your lab to rule out physical conditions like an electrolyte imbalance or thyroid condition that could be the cause of your symptoms. During the interview your doctor will pay attention to your symptoms and observe your body language to determine what type of disorder is present. They will also refer you to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to find an appropriate diagnosis. During the psychiatric or psychological assessment, your doctor will consider all of the information provided to determine what treatment is appropriate for you. They will also assist you to locate local support. If your doctor suspects that you have a serious mental illness, he or she will create a treatment plan which could include therapy, medication, or counseling. They may suggest that you attend follow-up appointments in order to track your progress and see how you respond to treatment. They can also refer you to an expert, if needed. Treatment Treatment can be beneficial for those suffering from mental illness. A psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist can provide various therapies and medications to help people manage their symptoms. Treatment is often needed if a person is not functioning properly in their everyday lives or if they are suicidal. A lot of people are diagnosed as having mental disorders after seeing their primary physician or having been directed to the specialist by a family member or friend. A medical exam may include questions regarding the patient's mood, sleep patterns, appetite, feelings and other factors which could suggest a mental health issue. You can also inquire about the patient's previous mental health history. Based on the severity of the symptoms, the doctor may perform lab tests or scans of the brain to rule out any physical causes. Changes in sleep or eating habits can be a indicator of anxiety or depression. Other indicators of mental health issues include feeling hopeless or depressed, or a fear of harming yourself or others. Mood and anxiety disorders can cause serious consequences, so it is essential to talk about these issues during a health check-up. Psychiatrists are trained in the diagnosis of various psychological issues and mental illnesses. They can prescribe medications or other treatments and may suggest a lifestyle or self-care regime to manage symptoms. They may also teach techniques for coping, like yoga and meditation. Some psychiatrists specialize in treating children, and some specialize in specific conditions, such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. It is a good idea to schedule mental health checkups with the same regularity as physical checksups. Symptoms of a mental health problem can be just as grave as those resulting from physical ailments and can have lasting effects on the individual's life. The majority of health insurance plans offer mental health services. U.S. law requires that insurance companies not charge higher copayments and coinsurance for psychiatric services than other services. Follow-up Similar to a physical exam patients with mental health issues should follow-up with their doctors. But they also need the assistance of a group of experts to help them keep their treatment on track. For patients suffering from mental illness, this network could include nurses, counselors and psychologists. These professionals should be situated in the same place as the primary doctor. The patient won't have to travel across the hospital or to a different building to see these providers. The need for timely monitoring is particularly important for those suffering from comorbid severe mental illness as well as chronic general medical ailments. Research suggests that people with a combination of chronic medical and mental health problems have higher rates of hospitalizations and deaths than those suffering from either condition by themselves. In addition, untreated general medical conditions can lead to psychiatric symptoms and increase the chance of suicide. In this regard, the HEDIS measure of a first outpatient follow-up visit within seven days following psychiatric discharge is important. Recent research suggests that patients who receive this type of follow-up will be more likely to seek outpatient services, including mental health services. perinatal mental health assessment www.iampsychiatry.com includes both medication compliance and psychotherapy sessions as well as assertive community treatment (ACT for schizophrenia). Adults who received their first outpatient mental health treatment within 7 days after a psychiatric discharge are less likely to be hospitalized during the next six months due to any reason than those who don't receive this type of follow-up. This was true for the depression and schizophrenia cohorts. However, these differences were not statistically significant, indicating that there could be other factors at work. Additionally the people who received a visual self-assessment form that reminded them of their appointment were 9 percentage points more likely to make their follow-up appointment than those who were not. The results of this study, although not statistically significant it suggests that simple methods could improve the likelihood that patients with mental health issues will keep their follow up appointments. This is a critical measure to avoid unnecessary hospitalizations and emergency department visits.