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Mental Health Check Up Mental health screenings can help distinguish between common concerns and clinical ones. They can also help patients catch early signs of depression or anxiety to ensure that treatment can be initiated before the issue becomes more grave. Set realistic goals for your appointment, like the description of your symptoms, obtaining an assessment and developing your treatment plan. Signs and symptoms A mental health check-up usually involves a questionnaire and physical examination. Doctors may also inquire about the past experiences and feelings. Being honest and truthful in answering questions is crucial. During the assessment the doctor may keep a record of a patient's behavior and symptoms. They may even consult a family member for details. A person can find it helpful to keep a journal of their thoughts and feelings throughout the days or weeks prior to their appointment. The journal can be brought to the evaluation, or it can be handed to the doctor to be read by their. It's also an ideal idea to make an inventory of all medications they are taking, including herbal supplements and prescription drugs. If a person is experiencing mental health symptoms, they should schedule an appointment with a physician as soon as possible. It is particularly important to seek help when the symptoms are causing an extreme disruption to everyday life or make it difficult to maintain relationships. If someone tried to manage symptoms on their own, but failed, they should talk with their doctor about locating specialists or community resources. It's important to keep in mind that seeking assistance for mental health issues isn't an indication of weakness. It's actually a step towards healing. Many people are unaware that mental illness may present with physical symptoms. Therefore, it's important to undergo regular physical exams so that a doctor can determine if there are any underlying conditions that require treatment. Talkspace articles are written and reviewed by clinical experts (therapists psychiatrists, therapists, and other experts) who are all experienced contributors to mental health and wellness. We aim to provide the most accurate, valuable, and objective information we can. We include links to trusted third-party sources in the text of each article or at the end of each article. This assists readers in making informed health decisions. Our team includes medical and editorial reviewers who ensure the highest-quality content. Diagnosis When you have a bad headache or cold, visit your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis. However, when it comes to mental health issues, many people ignore the symptoms under the rug, hoping they will disappear by themselves. However, a mental health check up is just as important as a physical one. During the mental health assessment, you will speak to your doctor or a mental health professional about your feelings, behavior and problems. They will ask about your work and personal life, if you have family members or friends who could be a source of support and how well you deal with stress. They will be interested in knowing if you have experienced any trauma in your past, and if you use drugs or alcohol. They will also inquire about your religion and the goals you're pursuing in life. Your doctor will likely conduct an examination of your body and collect a detailed medical history. They can also conduct tests in the lab to rule out physical illnesses out, such as an electrolyte imbalance or thyroid disease. During the interview your doctor will pay attention to the way you describe your symptoms, and also observe your body language for clues about what type of disorder you may 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 examination or psychological assessment, your doctor will consider all of this information in order to determine the most effective treatment for you. They can also help you locate local resources that can assist you. If your doctor believes you have a mental illness they will create plans for treatment that may include therapy, medication, or counseling. They will recommend periodic appointments to track your progress and determine how you're responding to treatment. They may also recommend a specialist, if necessary. Treatment Treatment can be beneficial to someone who has a mental illness. A psychiatrist, therapist, or psychologist can offer various treatments and medications to treat symptoms. A person may need treatment if they are unable to perform well in their everyday life or if they are suicidal. A lot of people are diagnosed as having mental illness after seeing their primary doctor or being referred to an expert by a relative or friend. A medical check-up may include questions regarding the patient's mood, sleep patterns, appetite, feelings and other signs that may be indicative of a mental illness. The patient could be asked about his or her prior mental health background. Depending on the severity of the person's symptoms, the doctor may conduct lab tests or scans of the brain to determine if there are any physical causes. Changes in your sleeping or eating habits could be an early indicator of anxiety or depression. Other indicators of a mental health disorder include a loss of interest in activities, feeling sad or hopeless or thinking about harming yourself or others. Mood and anxiety problems can have serious consequences, so it is important to talk about these concerns during a health check up. Psychiatrists are trained to make the diagnosis of various psychological issues and mental illnesses. They may prescribe medication or other treatments, and they may recommend a specific way of life or self-care program to help manage symptoms. They can also help you develop strategies for coping, such as yoga and meditation. Some psychiatrists specialize in treating children, and some specialize in specific conditions, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. It is a good idea to schedule mental health checkups to be scheduled with the same frequency as physical health checkups. Symptoms of a mental health issue may be as serious as those of a physical condition, and they can have a lasting impact on the person's life. The majority of health insurance plans cover mental health care, and U.S. laws require that insurance companies should not charge higher coinsurance or copayments for mental health services than they do for other services. Follow-up Patients with mental health issues must follow up with their physicians the same way they would do with physical examinations. They also require support from a network of professionals who can help them stay on track in their treatment. In the case of mental illness, this group may include nurses, counselors and psychologists. These professionals should be situated within the same office as the primary doctor. The patient won't have to travel across the hospital or to another building to see these providers. Patients with severe mental illness and chronic medical conditions should be followed up promptly. Research suggests that people suffering from a combination of chronic mental and medical problems are more likely to be hospitalized and eventually die as compared to those who only have one condition. Additionally the untreated medical conditions can trigger psychiatric issues and increase the likelihood of suicide. mental health assessments is why the HEDIS measure of a first outpatient follow-up visit within seven days of the discharge from psychiatric care is important. Recent research suggests that patients who receive this kind of follow-up are more likely to seek outpatient treatment that includes mental health services. This includes psychotherapy sessions, and assertive community therapy (ACT for schizophrenia). Adults who received their first outpatient follow-up within seven days of the discharge from a psychiatric hospital were less likely to be hospitalized due to any reason in the following six months than adults who didn't receive this type of mental health follow-up. This was true for the schizophrenia and depression cohorts. However, the differences were small and not statistically significant, indicating that there could be other factors in play. Patients who received a digital card reminding them of their appointment had a 9-point increase in attendance compared to those who did not receive a reminder. Although the results of this study were not statistically significant, the findings suggest that simple strategies can improve the odds that mental health patients will keep their appointments. This is a crucial measure to prevent unnecessary emergency department visits and readmissions.