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Mental Health Check Up Screening for mental health issues can help distinguish normal, age-appropriate problems from those that are clinical. They also help to recognize early signs of depression or anxiety, to ensure that treatment is initiated before the symptoms become grave. Set realistic goals for your visit such as writing down your symptoms, obtaining an accurate diagnosis and establishing a treatment plan. Symptoms A mental health check up usually consists of a questionnaire and a physical exam. Doctors might also inquire about a person's past experiences and emotions. It's important to be honest and answer the questions thoroughly. During the exam the doctor will likely keep a record of a patient's behavior and symptoms. They might even ask a family member or friend for details. A person can find it helpful to keep a journal of their thoughts and feelings throughout the weeks or days prior to their appointment. This journal can be taken to the evaluation, or it can be given to their doctor to read. It is also an excellent idea to make a list of all medications, which includes herbal supplements and prescription medications. If you're experiencing mental health problems, it's essential to make an appointment with a doctor as soon as you can. It's especially important to seek help in cases where these symptoms are causing major disruption to the daily routine or causing difficulty to maintain relationships with others. If someone tried to manage symptoms on their own, but failed, they should talk to their doctor about finding a specialist to help or other resources available to the community. It's important to keep in mind that seeking help for mental health issues is not an indication of weakness. Instead, it's a positive step toward healing. Most people aren't aware that mental illness can be accompanied by physical symptoms. Therefore, it's essential to get regular physical checks to allow a doctor to look for any underlying conditions that require treatment. Talkspace articles are written by experienced mental health-wellness contributors and vetted by an expert panel of clinical experts (therapists and psychiatrists from different specialties). We aim to provide the most accurate, valuable, and objective information possible. We rely on trusted third-party sources and link to them in the text or at the bottom of every article. This assists readers in making informed health decisions. We also have a team of editorial and medical reviewers to ensure top quality content. Diagnosis If you are suffering from a cold or a headache, you go to your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis. However, when it comes to mental health issues, a lot of people brush the symptoms under the rug and believe they will disappear by themselves. However, an annual mental health check-up can be just as important as a physical health check-up. During the assessment you'll be able to talk with your doctor or mental health professional about your thoughts and behavior. They will also ask questions about your home and work life, if you have family members or friends who form an important support system, and how you cope with stress. They will want to know if you have experienced any trauma in your past, and whether you are a user of drugs or alcohol. They will also inquire about your beliefs regarding religion and what goals you are pursuing in your life. Your doctor is likely to conduct an examination of your body and take your medical history in detail. They may also perform tests on the lab to rule physical ailments, such as an electrolyte balance or thyroid disease. During the interview your doctor will listen to the way you describe your symptoms, and also observe your body language for clues to determine what disorder you may have. They will also consult the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to determine the most appropriate diagnosis. During a psychiatric evaluation or psychological assessment your doctor will consider all of this information in order to determine the best treatment for you. They will also assist you to locate local support. If your doctor suspects that you suffer from a mental illness they will create a plan for treatment that may include therapy, medication or counseling. They will suggest regular appointments to check on your progress and assess how you're responding to treatment. They may also refer you to specialists, if required. Treatment Treatment can be beneficial to someone who has a mental illness. A psychiatrist, therapist, or psychologist may offer various treatments and medications to treat symptoms. Treatment is usually required if a person is not functioning well enough in their daily life, or if they are suicidal. Many sufferers are diagnosed with a mental illness following visiting their primary physician or a relative or family member recommends them to a specialist. A medical exam could include questions regarding the patient's mood and sleep patterns and appetite, as well as feelings and other indicators that could suggest a mental health issue. The patient could be asked about his or her prior health history. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, the doctor might perform lab tests or scans of the brain to rule out any physical causes. Changes in sleeping or eating habits could be a warning indication of anxiety or depression. Other signs of mental health disorders include feeling depressed or gloomy, or a fear of harming yourself or others. It is important to discuss mood and anxiety disorders during an appointment because they could be serious and have a negative impact. Psychiatrists have been trained to diagnose mental disorders and psychological issues. They may prescribe medication or other treatments, and might recommend a specific way of life or self-care program to help manage symptoms. They can also teach strategies for coping, like yoga and meditation. Some psychiatrists treat children and some specialize in certain disorders, like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. It is recommended to schedule mental health checkups with the same frequency as physical checksups. The signs of a mental health issue can be just as severe as those of physical ailments, and they can have lasting effects on the individual's life. The majority of health insurance plans offer mental health services. U.S. law requires that insurance companies don't charge higher coinsurance and copayments for psychiatric services than other services. Follow-up how to get a mental health assessment uk should follow appointments with their doctor, just as they would with a physical examination. They also need the support from a team of professionals who can help them stay on track in their treatment. For those suffering from mental illness, this network could include nurses, counselors and psychologists. In the ideal situation, these professionals can be located in the same facility or office as the primary care physician. Patients will not need to travel across the hospital or to a different building to see these providers. People with serious mental illness or chronic medical conditions should be followed up promptly. Research suggests that patients with a combination of chronic medical and mental health issues have higher rates of hospitalizations and deaths than those who suffer from either on their own. Untreated medical conditions that are not treated can cause psychiatric issues and increase the risk of suicide. The HEDIS measure that requires a follow-up visit to an outpatient within seven days following the discharge from a psychiatric facility is of great importance. The findings of a recent study suggest that those who receive this type of follow-up are more likely to use outpatient services, such as mental health services. This includes both medication adherence and psychotherapy sessions and assertive community treatment (ACT for schizophrenia). Adults who underwent their first outpatient follow-up within 7 days following psychiatric discharge were less likely to be hospitalized for any reason in the following six months than those who didn't receive this type of follow-up for mental health. This was the case for both schizophrenia and depression groups. However, the variations were minor and not statistically significant, indicating that there may be other factors in play. Those who received a visual card reminding them of their appointment had a 9-point increase in attendance compared to those who did not receive a reminder. The results of this study, even though not statistically significant in nature suggests that simple strategies could increase the probability that patients with mental health issues can attend their follow-up appointments. This is an important measure to prevent unnecessary emergency department visits and readmissions.