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Mental Health Check Up Screening for mental health issues can help distinguish normal, age-appropriate concerns from those that are clinical. They can also help people catch early symptoms of anxiety or depression to ensure that treatment can be initiated before the issue becomes serious. You'll need to establish reasonable goals for your appointment, such as explaining your symptoms, learning the diagnosis and determining an appropriate treatment plan. Symptoms A mental health checkup usually involves an assessment questionnaire and physical exam. Doctors might also inquire about the person's past experiences and emotions. It is important to be truthful and be able to answer the questions clearly. During the examination the doctor will likely keep a record of a patient's behavior and symptoms. They may even consult a family member for information. It can be beneficial to keep a record of their thoughts and feelings during the weeks or days before their appointment. This journal can be taken to the appointment, or it can be given to their doctor to read. It's also an excellent idea to create a list of any medications they are taking, which includes herbal supplements and over-the-counter medications. If you are experiencing mental health symptoms it is crucial to make an appointment with a doctor as soon as you can. It is particularly important to seek assistance in cases where these symptoms are causing significant disruption to one's everyday life or making it difficult to maintain relationships with other people. If someone has tried to manage their symptoms on their own with no success, they should speak to their physician about getting an appointment with a specialist or seeking out community resources that can help. It is important to remember that seeking help with 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 be accompanied by physical symptoms. It is important to keep up with regular physical exams, so that your doctor can check for any underlying conditions. Talkspace articles are written and reviewed by clinical experts (therapists, psychiatrists and other experts) who are all experienced in the field of mental health and wellness. We aim to provide accurate, useful and reliable information. We include links to trusted third-party resources in the article text or at the end of each article. This allows readers to make informed decisions regarding their health. Our team includes editorial and medical reviewers who ensure the highest-quality content. Diagnosis When you have a cold or a headache You visit your doctor for an accurate diagnosis. But when it comes to mental health issues, many people brush the symptoms under the rug and hope they will go away on their own. The reality is that an annual mental health check-up can be as crucial as a physical one. During the evaluation you'll be able to talk to your doctor or a mental health professional about your thoughts and behavior. They will also ask questions about your work and home life, particularly if you have relatives or friends who are a support system, and how you cope with stress. They will ask whether you've ever been in a traumatic situation, and whether or not alcohol or other substances are used. They'll also want hear about your religious beliefs and the goals you have for yourself in life. Your doctor is likely to conduct an examination of your body and take a detailed medical history. They may also perform lab tests to rule out physical conditions such as an electrolyte imbalance or thyroid disorder which could be the reason for your symptoms. During the interview, your doctor will listen to how you describe your symptoms and watch your body language to find clues about what type of disorder you might be suffering from. They will also refer to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to identify the appropriate diagnosis. During the psychiatric or psychological evaluation the doctor will take into consideration all of the information provided to decide what kind of treatment is best for you. They can also help you locate local resources to support you. If your doctor suspects that you suffer from a mental disorder they will develop an action plan that may include therapy, medication or counseling. They will recommend periodic appointments to track your progress and see how you are responding to treatment. They may also recommend an expert, if needed. Treatment Anyone suffering from a mental health problem may benefit from treatment. A psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist may provide many different treatments and medications that can help patients manage their symptoms. Someone may require treatment if they do not perform well in their daily life or are suicidal. private ptsd assessment uk are diagnosed as having mental illness after seeing their primary doctor or being directed to an expert by a relative or friend. A medical check up may include questions regarding the patient's mood as well as sleep, appetite, feelings, and other factors that might suggest a mental health issue. You can also inquire about the patient's previous mental health background. Depending on the severity of the person's symptoms, the doctor could conduct lab tests or scans of the brain to determine if there are any physical causes. Changes in your sleeping or eating habits can be a indication of anxiety or depression. Other indicators of mental health disorders include feeling depressed or hopeless or a fear of harming yourself or others. The anxiety and mood disorders can have serious harm, so it is crucial to talk about these issues during a check-up. Psychiatrists are trained for the diagnosis of various psychological problems and mental illnesses. They can prescribe medications or other treatments, and could suggest a lifestyle or self-care program to help manage symptoms. They may also teach techniques for coping, like yoga and meditation. Some psychiatrists specialize in treating children, and some specialize in certain disorders, like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. It's a good idea for mental health screenings to be scheduled with the same frequency as physical checks. Mental health issues can trigger symptoms that are as serious as physical ailments and can affect a person's life. Most health insurance plans include mental health services. U.S. law requires that insurance companies not charge higher copayments or coinsurance for psychiatric treatments than for other services. Follow-up Similar to a physical exam, mental health patients should follow-up with their medical professionals. They also require the assistance from a team of professionals who can help them stay on track in their treatment. For patients suffering from mental illness, this network may include nurses, counselors and psychologists. In the ideal situation, these professionals can be located in the same facility or office as the primary doctor of care. The patient will not have to travel across the hospital or another building to see these providers. Patients with severe mental illness and chronic medical conditions should be checked up promptly. Research shows that people with a combination chronic mental and medical problems are more likely to be hospitalized and eventually die as compared to those who only have one illness. Untreated medical conditions that are not treated 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. Recent research suggests that those 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 7 days following psychiatric discharge were less likely to be hospitalized for any reason in the following six months than adults who did not receive this type of mental health follow-up. This was true both for the depression and schizophrenia cohorts. However, these variations were minor and not statistically significant, which suggests that there could be other factors at play. Similarly those who received a self-assessment form that reminded them of their appointment were 9 percentage points more likely to attend their follow-up appointment than those who didn't. The results of this study, even though not statistically significant in nature, suggest that simple strategies could increase the probability that patients with mental health issues can attend their follow-up appointments. This is an important measure to prevent unnecessary emergency department visits and readmissions.