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Mental Health Check Up Mental health screenings can help distinguish normal, age-appropriate issues from those that are clinical. They can also help patients recognize early signs of anxiety or depression to ensure that treatment can be initiated before the issue becomes serious. Set realistic goals for your visit like describing your symptoms, getting a diagnosis and creating an action plan. Symptoms A mental health check up usually consists of a questionnaire and a physical examination. Doctors might also ask about the past experiences and feelings. Being honest and complete in answering questions is crucial. The doctor will likely note down a person's symptoms and behavior during the examination. They might even ask a family member or acquaintance for information. It can be helpful for someone to keep a diary of their thoughts and emotions during the weeks or days prior to their appointment. The journal can be brought to the appointment or given to their doctor to read. It can also be a good idea to prepare the list of any medications they are taking, including herbal supplements and prescription drugs. If a person is experiencing mental health issues or signs, they should make an appointment with a doctor immediately. The need for help is particularly crucial in cases where the symptoms cause an extreme disruption to your daily routine or make it difficult to maintain relationships. If a patient has tried to manage their symptoms by themselves and failed, they should talk to their doctor about finding specialists or other resources available to the community. It's important to remember that seeking assistance for mental health issues isn't an indication of weakness. It's actually a step towards healing. Many people don't know that mental illness can often manifest as physical symptoms. It is essential to conduct regular physical checks, so that your doctor can test for any underlying issues. Talkspace articles are written and reviewed by a team of clinical experts (therapists, psychiatrists and other experts) who are all highly experienced contributors to mental health and wellness. We aim to provide reliable, accurate and reliable information. We link to trusted third-party resources in the article text or at the end of every 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 If you are suffering from a cold or a headache You visit your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis. However, when it comes down to mental health issues, a lot of people simply brush them under the rug and believe they will go away on their own. A mental health checkup could be just as crucial as an annual physical checkup. During the evaluation, you'll talk with your doctor or mental healthcare 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 provide a support system, and how you cope with stress. They will be interested to know if have had any painful experiences in the past, and if you have used alcohol or drugs. They will also inquire about your religious beliefs and the goals you have in life. Your doctor is likely to conduct an examination of your body and collect a detailed medical history. They may also perform lab tests to rule physical ailments like the balance of electrolytes or thyroid disease. During the consultation, your doctor will listen closely to your symptoms and examine your body language in order to determine what type of disorder is present. They will also consult the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to find an appropriate diagnosis. In the course of a psychiatric or psychological exam, your doctor will consider all of this information to determine which treatment is best for you. They will also assist you find local resources for support. If your doctor thinks you suffer from a mental illness, they will make an action plan that may include therapy, medication, or counseling. They may recommend regular appointments to check on your progress and see how you're responding to treatment. They will also recommend a specialist, if necessary. Treatment Anyone suffering from a mental health problem might benefit from a treatment. A therapist, psychiatrist, or psychologist can provide a variety therapies and medications to help manage symptoms. Treatment is often required when the patient isn't performing well enough in their everyday lives, or if they are suicidal. A lot of people are diagnosed as having mental illness after seeing their primary doctor or being directed to an expert by a family member or friend. A medical check up may include questions regarding the patient's mood, sleep, appetite, feelings, and other signs that could indicate a mental health problem. You may also ask about the person's past mental health background. Depending on assessment tools mental health of the symptoms, the doctor might conduct lab tests or scans of the brain to rule out any physical causes. If someone experiences changes in his or her eating or sleeping patterns they could be early indicators of anxiety or depression. Other signs of a mental health problem include loss of enthusiasm for activities, feeling depressed or hopeless, or having thoughts about harming you or others. The anxiety and mood problems can have serious harm, so it is crucial to discuss 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 might suggest a particular way of life or self-care program to treat symptoms. They can also help you develop techniques for coping, like yoga and meditation. Some psychiatrists specialize in treating children while others specialize in specific illnesses like Bipolar Disorder or schizophrenia. It is a good idea to schedule mental health checkups to be scheduled with the same frequency as physical checkups. Mental health issues can lead to symptoms that are just as severe as physical ailments and may cause lasting effects on the quality of life of a person. The majority of health insurance plans cover mental health services and U.S. laws require that insurance companies do not charge higher copayments or coinsurance rates for mental health services than they do for other types of services. Follow-up As with a physical checkup patients with mental health issues should follow-up with their medical professionals. However, they also require the support of a network of experts to help them keep their treatment on track. In the case mental illness, this might include psychologists, counselors and nurses. They should be located in the same place as the primary physician. This way, the patient does not need to go to a separate facility or different part of the hospital in order to see them. Patients with serious mental illness or chronic medical conditions must be checked up promptly. Research has shown that those with multiple chronic mental and medical issues are more likely to be hospitalized and die as compared to those who only have one condition. Untreated general medical conditions may result in psychiatric disorders and increase the risk for suicide. This is why the HEDIS measure of a first follow-up visit within 7 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 services, including mental health services. This includes both medication compliance and psychotherapy sessions, as well as assertive community treatment (ACT for schizophrenia). Adults who had their first outpatient follow-up within seven days after psychiatric discharge were less likely to be hospitalized due to any cause in the next six months than adults who didn't receive this type of follow-up for mental health. This was the case for both depression and schizophrenia groups. These differences were not statistically significant or small, suggesting that other factors may be at play. Additionally, those who received a self-assessment card reminding 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, although not statistically significant it suggests that simple methods could improve the likelihood that patients suffering from mental health issues will keep their follow up appointments. This is an important step in preventing unnecessary hospitalizations and emergency department visits.