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Mental Health Check Up Mental health screenings help distinguish between common concerns and those that are clinical. They can also help people catch early signs of anxiety or depression so that treatment can begin before the problem becomes more serious. You'll want to set reasonable goals for your appointment, like explaining your symptoms, learning the diagnosis and forming the best treatment plan. Signs and symptoms A mental health check up usually involves an assessment questionnaire and physical exam. Doctors may also ask about past experiences and feelings. Answering questions honestly and completely is crucial. The doctor will likely note down a person's symptoms and behavior during the assessment. They might even ask a friend or family member for information. It could be beneficial for someone to keep a record of their thoughts and emotions during the weeks or days prior to their appointment. They can take this journal along to the examination or hand it over to their doctor to take a look at. It is also an excellent idea to make a list of all medications, including herbal supplements and over-the-counter medicines. If you're experiencing mental health problems, it's crucial to make an appointment as soon as you can. It is particularly crucial to seek out help in cases where these symptoms are causing significant disruption to one's daily life or making it difficult to maintain relationships with others. If a person has tried to manage their symptoms on their own without success, they should speak with their doctor about obtaining an appointment with an expert or locating community resources that can help. It is important to keep in mind that seeking help with mental health issues is not an indication of weakness. It's actually a step towards healing. Many people are unaware that mental illness can often manifest as physical symptoms. Therefore, it's important to have regular physical examinations to ensure that a doctor is able to examine any underlying issues that require treatment. Talkspace articles are written by experienced mental health contributors and reviewed by an expert panel of clinicians (therapists and psychiatrists from various specialties). We strive to provide the most accurate, valuable and objective information we can. We link to trusted third-party resources within the text of the article or at the end of each article. This helps readers make informed decisions regarding their health. We have a team that includes medical and editorial reviewers who ensure that we provide the best quality content. Diagnosis When you have a bad headache or cold, visit your doctor and get an accurate diagnosis. When it comes to mental health issues people often brush symptoms under the rug and believe that they will disappear by themselves. A mental health checkup could be as crucial as an annual physical. During the assessment, you'll talk to your doctor or mental healthcare professional about your feelings and behaviors. They will also ask questions about your work and home life, especially if you have family or friends who provide supportive and how you deal with stress. They'll want to know if you have had any traumatic events in the past, and whether you are a user of alcohol or drugs. They'll also want to inquire about your beliefs in religion and the goals you set for yourself in your life. Your doctor will likely perform an examination of your body and take an extensive medical history. They can also conduct lab tests to rule physical ailments out like an electrolyte balance or thyroid disease. During the interview the doctor will observe the way you describe your symptoms, and also observe your body language to find clues to determine what disorder you might be suffering from. They will also consult the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to determine the most appropriate diagnosis. When you undergo a psychiatric exam the doctor will take into consideration all of the information provided to determine what treatment is right 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 therapy, medication, or counseling. They will suggest follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and determine how you are responding to treatment. They will also recommend specialists, if required. Treatment Anyone suffering from a mental health issue may benefit from treatment. A psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist can offer a variety of treatments and medications to help people manage their symptoms. Treatment is often needed if a person is not functioning properly in their everyday lives or is suicidal. Many sufferers are diagnosed with a mental illness after visiting their primary care physician or a family or friend member refers them to specialists. A medical check up may include questions regarding the patient's mood as well as sleep appetite, feelings, and other factors that might indicate a mental health problem. The patient may also be asked about his or her prior mental health background. The doctor might perform brain scans or laboratory tests depending on the extent and duration of symptoms. Changes in sleep or eating habits can be an early sign of depression or anxiety. Other indicators of a mental health disorder include loss of enthusiasm for activities, feeling depressed or gloomy or thinking about harming you or others. Anxiety and mood problems can have serious consequences, so it is crucial to talk about these concerns during a health check up. Psychiatrists have been trained to diagnose mental disorders and psychological issues. They may prescribe medication or other treatments and may recommend a self-care or lifestyle program to help manage symptoms. They may also instruct strategies for coping, like yoga and meditation. Certain psychiatrists specialize in treating children and others specialize in specific illnesses like Bipolar Disorder or schizophrenia. It's a good idea for mental health screenings to be scheduled at the same frequency as physical checks. Symptoms of a mental health issue can be just as grave as those resulting from physical illness and can have lasting impacts on the individual's life. Most health insurance plans include mental health services. U.S. law requires that insurance companies do not charge higher coinsurance and copayments for psychiatric treatment than other services. Follow-up Mental health patients should be following up with their doctors the same way they would do with physical examinations. They also require the assistance from a professional network who can assist them in staying on track in their treatment. In the case of mental illness, this network might include counselors, nurses and psychologists. In the ideal situation, these professionals can be found in the same facility or office as the primary medical doctor. This way, the patient doesn't need to go to a separate building or another part of the hospital to see them. The need for timely follow-up is especially important for those suffering from comorbid severe mental illness as well as chronic general medical conditions. Research suggests that patients who have a mix of mental and medical health issues are more likely to be in the risk of hospitalization and death than those who suffer from either on their own. Additionally, untreated general medical conditions can trigger psychiatric issues and increase the likelihood of suicide. The HEDIS measure that requires a follow-up appointment with an outpatient within seven days of psychiatric discharge has great importance. Recent research suggests that those who receive this type of follow-up will be more likely to seek outpatient care which includes mental health services. This includes both medication compliance and psychotherapy sessions, as well as assertive community treatment (ACT, which is a treatment for schizophrenia). Adults who have received their first outpatient mental health treatment within 7 days of the 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 schizophrenia and depression cohorts. However, Recommended Looking at were not statistically significant, indicating that there may be other factors at work. The patients who received a printed card that reminded the appointment time had a 9-point increase in attendance compared to those who didn't. The results of this study, even though not statistically significant in nature it suggests that simple methods could increase the probability that patients suffering from mental health issues keep their follow up appointments. This is an important step in preventing unnecessary readmissions and emergency department visits.
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