Mental Health Check Up<br /><br />Mental health screenings can help distinguish between common concerns and clinical ones. They can also help people to catch early symptoms of anxiety or depression so treatment can be commenced before the problems become more serious.<br /><br />Set realistic goals for your visit, such as describing your symptoms, getting an assessment and developing a treatment plan.<br /><br />Symptoms<br /><br />A mental health check-up usually consists of an assessment questionnaire and physical exam. Doctors may also ask about the person's previous experiences and feelings. Being honest and truthful in answering questions is important. The doctor may take notes about a person's symptoms and behavior during the examination. They may also consult a family member for information. One might find it helpful to keep a journal of their thoughts and feelings in the days or weeks leading up to their appointment. The journal can be brought to the appointment or handed to the doctor to read. It is also a good idea for them to keep a record of all medications, which includes herbal supplements and prescription medications.<br /><br />If a person is experiencing mental health symptoms, they should schedule an appointment with a physician immediately. It is particularly important to seek help when the symptoms are causing a significant disruption in everyday life or make it difficult to maintain relationships. If someone has tried to manage their symptoms on their own, but without success, they should talk to their doctor about getting a referral for a specialist or finding community resources that can aid.<br /><br />It's important to remember that seeking help for mental health issues isn't an indication of weakness. It's actually a step towards healing. Many people are unaware that mental illness can present with physical symptoms. Therefore, it's essential to undergo regular physical exams so that a doctor can examine any underlying issues that need treatment.<br /><br />Talkspace articles are written by experienced mental health-wellness contributors and reviewed by an expert panel of clinical experts (therapists and psychiatrists of various specialties). We strive to provide most accurate, valuable and objective information we can. We use trusted third-party sources, and we provide links to them in the text or at the end of every article. This assists readers in making informed health decisions. Our team includes editors and medical experts who ensure the highest-quality content.<br /><br />Diagnosis<br /><br />When you have headaches or colds and headache, you visit your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis. When it comes to mental issues people often brush symptoms under the rug and hope that they will disappear on their own. However, the mental health checkup can be as crucial as a physical one.<br /><br />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 personal life, whether you have family members or friends who can help you, and how well you deal with stress.<br /><br />They will be interested to know if have experienced any trauma in the past, and if you have used drugs or alcohol. They will also inquire about your religion, and what goals you have in life.<br /><br />Your doctor will likely conduct an examination of your body and take your medical history in detail. They will also likely do tests in the lab to rule out physical ailments such as an imbalance in electrolytes or thyroid disease which could be the reason for your symptoms.<br /><br />During the interview your doctor will listen carefully to your symptoms and examine your body language in order to determine what type of disorder may be present. They will also consult the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to determine the most appropriate diagnosis.<br /><br />In the course of a psychiatric or psychological evaluation the doctor will take into consideration all of the information provided to determine which treatment is best for you. They will also assist you to locate local resources for help. If your doctor suspects that you have an illness that is serious, he or she will create a treatment plan that could include medication, therapy, or counseling. They may recommend that you attend follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and determine how you respond to treatment. They can also refer you to an expert, if needed.<br /><br />Treatment<br /><br />Treatment can be beneficial for people suffering from mental illness. A therapist, psychiatrist, or psychologist may offer various treatments and medications to help manage symptoms. Treatment is often required when a person is not functioning properly in their daily life or if they are suicidal. A lot of people are diagnosed as having mental disorders after seeing their primary physician or being referred to the specialist by a relative or friend.<br /><br />A medical check-up could include questions regarding the patient's mood as well as sleep and appetite, as well as feelings and other signs that could indicate a mental health problem. The person might also be asked about his or her past health history. The doctor could perform brain scans or laboratory tests depending on the intensity and duration of the symptoms.<br /><br />If <a href="https://output.jsbin.com/renotozudu/">Read the Full Report</a> experiences changes in his or her eating or sleeping habits they could be early indicators of depression or an anxiety disorder. Other indicators of mental health disorders include feeling depressed or gloomy, or having thoughts of harming yourself or others. Anxiety and mood problems can have serious harm, so it is crucial to discuss these issues during a health check up.<br /><br />Psychiatrists are trained to make the diagnosis of various psychological issues and mental illnesses. They are able to prescribe medications and other treatments, and they might suggest a particular routine of self-care or a lifestyle to help manage symptoms. They may also instruct strategies for coping, like yoga and meditation. Some psychiatrists treat children and some specialize in specific disorders, like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.<br /><br />It's a good idea for mental health screenings to be scheduled at the same frequency as physical checks. The symptoms of a mental health issue can be as grave as those resulting from a physical condition, and they can have a lasting impact on the person's life. Many health insurance plans provide mental health services. U.S. law requires that insurance companies don't charge higher coinsurance and copayments for psychiatric services than other services.<br /><br />Follow-up<br /><br />Patients with mental health problems should be following up with their physicians like they would do with physical exams. They also need the support from a network of professionals who can assist them in staying on the right track in their treatment. In the case mental illness, this may include psychologists, counselors and nurses. These professionals should be situated in the same office as the primary physician. This means that the patient does not have to travel to a separate building or a different area of the hospital in order to see them.<br /><br />The need for prompt follow-up is particularly crucial for those with comorbid serious mental illness and chronic general medical conditions. Research has shown that those 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 disorder. Additionally, untreated general medical conditions can lead to psychiatric symptoms and increase the chance of suicide.<br /><br />This is why the HEDIS measure of a first follow-up visit within seven days following psychiatric discharge is important. Recent research suggests that patients who receive this type of follow-up are more likely to seek outpatient services which includes mental health services. This includes both medication adherence and psychotherapy sessions as well as assertive community treatment (ACT for schizophrenia).<br /><br /><br /><br />Adults who underwent their first outpatient follow-up within seven days of the discharge of a psychiatric patient were less likely to be hospitalized for any reason over the next six months than adults who did not receive this type of mental health follow-up. This was true for both schizophrenia and depression cohorts. These differences were not statistically significant and aren't significant, which suggests that other factors may be at play.<br /><br />In the same way the people who received a self-assessment card 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, although not statistically significant, suggest that simple strategies could improve the likelihood that patients with mental health issues keep their appointments. This is a significant measure to prevent unnecessary emergency department visits and readmissions.<br /><br />