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Mental Health Check Up Screenings for mental health help differentiate between normal concerns and clinical ones. They also help to detect early signs of depression or anxiety, so treatment can be commenced before the issues become serious. You'll want to set reasonable goals for your appointment, for example, describing your symptoms, getting a diagnosis and determining the best treatment plan. Signs and symptoms A mental health check-up usually includes a questionnaire as well as a physical examination. I Am Psychiatry might also ask about past experiences and feelings. It is essential to be honest and be able to answer the questions clearly. During the exam, the doctor will probably take notes on a person's behavior and symptoms. They may even request an individual from the family or a friend for details. One might find it beneficial to keep a record of their thoughts and feelings in the days or weeks prior to their appointment. The journal can be brought with them to the appointment or give it to their doctor to take a look at. It can also be an ideal idea to make an inventory of all medicines they take, including herbal supplements and prescription drugs. If you're suffering from mental health symptoms it is essential to make an appointment as soon as possible. Seeking help is especially important if the symptoms are causing major disruption to everyday life or make it difficult to maintain relationships. If someone has tried to manage their symptoms on their own without success, they should speak to their doctor about getting an appointment with an expert or locating community resources that can help. It's important to keep in mind that seeking help with mental health issues shouldn't be 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 undergo regular physical exams so that a doctor can examine any underlying issues that require treatment. Talkspace articles are written by experienced mental health contributors, and are reviewed by a panel of clinical experts (therapists and psychiatrists of different specialties). We strive to provide accurate, valuable and objective information. We rely on trusted third-party sources and include links to them in the text or at the bottom of each article. This assists readers in making informed decisions regarding their health. We have a team that includes editors and medical experts who ensure that we provide the best quality content. Diagnosis If you suffer from an illness like a headache or cold, you go to your doctor for a precise diagnosis. When it comes to mental health issues it is commonplace to sweep symptoms under the rug and believe that they will disappear by themselves. A mental health checkup can be just as crucial as an annual physical exam. During the assessment during the assessment, you'll speak with your doctor or mental health professional about your behavior and feelings. They will ask you about your work and personal life, whether you have family members or friends who can be a source of support and how well you handle stress. They will be interested to know if have had any traumatic events in the past, and whether you are a user of alcohol or drugs. They'll also want to hear about your religious beliefs and the goals you have for yourself in your life. Your doctor will likely conduct an examination of your body and take an extensive medical history. They may also perform lab tests to rule physical ailments out, such as an electrolyte imbalance or thyroid disease. During the appointment, your doctor will listen carefully to your symptoms and watch your body language to determine what kind of disorder may be present. They will also refer to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to find an appropriate diagnosis. During the psychiatric or psychological evaluation your doctor will review all of this information to decide what kind of treatment is best for you. They will also assist you to locate local resources to support you. 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 assess how you are responding to treatment. They will also refer you to specialists, if required. Treatment Anyone suffering from a mental health issue can benefit from treatment. A therapist, psychiatrist or psychologist can offer various therapies and medications to help manage symptoms. A person may need treatment if they cannot function well in their daily life or if they are suicidal. A lot of people are diagnosed as having a mental disorder after visiting their primary physician or having been referred to the specialist by a family member or friend. A medical exam could include questions about the patient's mood as well as sleep and appetite, as well as feelings and other signs that could suggest a mental health issue. You can also inquire about the patient's mental health background. The doctor may perform brain scans or laboratory tests depending on the severity and duration of the symptoms. Changes in sleep or eating habits can be a indication of anxiety or depression. Other signs of a mental health issue include loss of interest in activities, feeling depressed or hopeless, or having thoughts about hurting you or others. Mood and anxiety problems can have serious consequences, so it is important to discuss these issues during a health check up. Psychiatrists are trained to make the diagnosis of various psychological disorders and mental illnesses. They can prescribe medication and other treatments, and they may recommend a specific way of life or self-care program to help manage symptoms. They can also help you develop techniques for coping, like meditation and yoga. Certain psychiatrists specialize in treating children, while others specialize in certain disorders like schizophrenia or Bipolar Disorder. It's a good idea for mental health screenings to be scheduled at the same frequency as physical checks. Mental health issues can trigger symptoms that are as severe as physical ailments and can have a lasting impact on the life of an individual. Most health insurance plans include mental health services. U.S. law requires that insurance companies do not charge higher coinsurance and copayments for psychiatric treatments than for other services. Follow-up Mental health patients should be following up with their physicians like they would with physical exams. They also require the assistance from a professional network who can help them stay on the right track in their treatment. For patients suffering from mental illness, this group might include counselors, nurses and psychologists. The ideal scenario is for these professionals to be located in the same office or facility as the primary medical doctor. This means that the patient doesn't need to go to a separate facility or different part of the hospital in order to see them. Patients with serious mental illness and chronic medical conditions should be followed up promptly. Research suggests that those who have a mix of mental and chronic medical health issues have higher rates of hospitalizations and deaths than those who suffer from either by themselves. Untreated medical conditions that are not treated can also lead to psychiatric problems and increase the risk of suicide. The HEDIS measure that requires a first follow-up visit to an outpatient within seven days of psychiatric discharge is crucial. The results of an upcoming study suggest that those who undergo this kind of follow-up are more likely to seek outpatient services, such as mental health care. This includes medication adherence, psychotherapy sessions, and assertive community therapy (ACT for schizophrenia). Adults who had their first outpatient follow-up within 7 days following the discharge of a psychiatric patient were less likely to be hospitalized due to any reason in the following six months than those who did not receive this type of follow-up for mental health. This was true for both depression and schizophrenia cohorts. These differences were not statistically significant, and small, suggesting that other factors may be at play. Additionally 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, while not statistically significant in nature suggests that simple strategies could improve the likelihood that patients with mental health issues keep their follow up appointments. This is an important measure to prevent unnecessary emergency department visits and readmissions.