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Mental Health Check Up Mental health screenings help distinguish between normal concerns and those that are clinical. They can also help people detect early signs of depression or anxiety to ensure that treatment can be initiated before the issue becomes serious. Set realistic goals for your appointment, like the description of your symptoms, obtaining a diagnosis and creating your treatment plan. Signs and symptoms A mental health checkup typically consists of a questionnaire and a physical examination. Doctors may also inquire about the past experiences and feelings. Answering questions honestly and completely is important. occupational health assessment mental health iampsychiatry.com is likely to note down a person's symptoms and behavior during the assessment. They might even ask an individual from the family or a acquaintance for information. It could be beneficial for a person to keep a journal of their thoughts and emotions in the days or weeks prior to their appointment. They can take this journal with them to the appointment or give it to their doctor to review. It is also an excellent idea to keep a record of all medications, including herbal supplements and over-the-counter medicines. If you are experiencing mental health problems, it's crucial to make an appointment with a doctor as soon as possible. Seeking help is especially important in cases where the symptoms cause a significant disruption in everyday life or make it difficult to maintain relationships. If someone has tried to manage their symptoms on their own with no success, they should talk to their physician about getting a referral for a specialist or finding community resources that can aid. It's important to keep in mind that seeking help for mental health issues isn't a sign of weakness. Instead, it's an important step towards healing. Many people are unaware that mental illness may manifest with physical symptoms. It's important to have regular physical checks so that your doctor can test for any underlying illnesses. Talkspace articles are written by skilled mental health contributors, and are reviewed by an expert panel of clinical experts (therapists and psychiatrists from various specialties). We strive to provide reliable, accurate and objective information. We link to trusted third-party resources within the article text or at the end of every article. This assists readers in making informed decisions regarding their health. Our team includes medical and editorial reviewers who ensure the highest-quality content. Diagnosis If you are suffering from an illness like a headache or cold, you go to your doctor for a precise diagnosis. When you have mental issues people often brush symptoms under the carpet and believe that they will go away by themselves. The reality is that an annual mental health check-up can be just as important as a physical check-up. During the assessment during the assessment, you'll speak with your doctor or mental health professional about your thoughts and behavior. They will also ask you questions about your home and work life, especially if you have family members or friends who are a support system and how you deal with stress. They will ask you whether you've been in a stressful circumstance and whether alcohol or other drugs were used. They'll also want learn about your religion and the goals you set for yourself in life. Your doctor will take a thorough medical history and perform a physical exam. They may also perform lab tests to rule out physical conditions like an imbalance in electrolytes or thyroid disease that could be the cause of your symptoms. During the interview the doctor will listen to how you describe your symptoms, and also observe your body language to find clues as to what disorder you might be suffering from. They will also refer to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to determine the correct diagnosis. During a psychiatric evaluation or psychological assessment your doctor will evaluate all of the information provided in order to determine the best treatment for you. They can also help you find local resources that can help you. If your doctor believes you have a mental illness, they will make an action plan that may include therapy, medication or counseling. They will recommend regular appointments to check on your progress and assess how you are responding to treatment. If necessary, they'll refer you to an expert. Treatment Treatment is beneficial for those suffering from mental illness. A therapist, psychiatrist or psychologist may offer a variety therapies and medications to help manage symptoms. Treatment is often required when a person is not performing well enough in their everyday lives or if they are suicidal. Many people are diagnosed with a mental illness after visiting their primary physician or a friend or family member sends them to specialists. A medical exam may include questions about the patient's mood, sleep patterns, appetite, and other signs that may suggest a mental health issue. You may also ask about the person's past mental health history. The doctor might perform brain scans or lab tests depending on the extent and duration of symptoms. Changes in sleep or eating habits can be a sign of depression or anxiety. Other indicators of a mental health disorder include a loss of enthusiasm for activities, feeling depressed or hopeless, or having thoughts about harming yourself or others. Anxiety and mood problems can have serious harm, so it is crucial to talk about these issues during a exam. Psychiatrists are trained to diagnose mental disorders and psychological issues. They can prescribe medication and other treatments, and might recommend a specific way of life or self-care program to treat 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 disorders, like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. It is recommended to schedule mental health checks with the same frequency as physical checksups. The signs of a mental health problem may be as grave as those resulting from physical illness and can have lasting impacts on the individual's life. Most health insurance plans cover mental health services and U.S. laws require that insurance companies don't charge higher copayments or coinsurance rates for psychiatric services than they charge for other services. Follow-up Like a physical examination patients suffering from mental illness should follow-up with their physicians. They also require support from a network of professionals who can assist them in staying on track in their treatment. For those suffering from mental illness, this network may include nurses, counselors and psychologists. Ideally, these providers can be located in the same office or facility as the primary care physician. This way, the patient doesn't need to go to a separate facility or another part of the hospital in order to see them. People suffering from serious mental illness or chronic medical conditions must be checked up promptly. Research suggests that those who suffer from a combination of mental and chronic medical health problems have higher rates of hospitalization and death than those with either condition by themselves. Untreated general medical conditions may result in psychiatric disorders and increase the risk of suicide. The HEDIS measure that requires a follow-up appointment with an outpatient within seven days following the discharge from a psychiatric facility has great importance. Recent research suggests that patients who receive this type of follow-up will be more likely to seek outpatient treatment which includes mental health services. This includes psychotherapy, medication adherence sessions, and assertive community therapy (ACT for schizophrenia). Adults who had their first outpatient mental health check-up within 7 days of the psychiatric discharge are less likely to be hospitalized in the next six months due to any reason than those who do not receive this type of follow-up. This was the case for both the schizophrenia and depression cohorts. These differences were not statistically significant, and tiny, suggesting that different factors may be involved. Additionally the people 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 did not. The results of this study, while not statistically significant suggests that simple strategies could improve the likelihood that patients with mental health issues attend their follow-up appointments. This is a significant step in preventing unnecessary emergency department visits and readmissions.