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Mental Health Assessment – The First Step to Diagnosing a Mental Health Problem When patients seek help for mental health they might be overwhelmed by their emotions. They may not know how to deal with their feelings. Fortunately, loved ones are often able to tell when something is amiss and help them take the next step. The assessment process is how therapists gather data and analyze it to determine the client's specific needs. It can be informal or formal, standardized or non-standardized, self-report or therapist-administered. Mental health A mental health assessment is a procedure in which professionals examine the person to determine if they might have problems with their mental health. A medical examination, observation and tests could be part of the process. It can take a significant amount of time and the examination may require multiple appointments. It is important to answer any questions honestly and be honest with your health professional. This will enable the health professional to provide a precise diagnosis. Psychologists and psychiatrists employ different methods for mental health assessments. You may be given written or verbal assessments. These are known as psychological tests, and they may include tests that are standardised and are designed to detect specific problems. These are often used in conjunction with interviews and observations to make a diagnosis. The most popular tests are the MMPI-2 test, which tests for various types of mental disorders, as well as the Y & Z test, that is designed to assess the person's response to stress and anxiety. Mental health professionals will evaluate the cognitive functioning of patients during an assessment. This will include a detailed description about the patient's alertness, level of consciousness, their motor and speech activities as well as their moods, feelings, their thought and perception as well as attitudes and perception. They will also test the ability to recall things as well as think abstractly and follow instructions. If you're concerned that your child might be suffering from an illness of the mind it is essential to refer them to a professional to be evaluated. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or counsellor. It is essential that the professional has enough time to fully understand your child's needs and how they feel. It is best if your child can be alone with the health professional for all or part of the evaluation. private mental health assessment cost uk is important to explain to your child that going for an assessment isn't an act of punishment and that you hope that the doctor can determine what's going on so it can be treated. It might be helpful to remind your child that we all experience depression and anxiety from time to time however if the symptoms persist, they must be addressed. Symptoms Mental health disorders can affect the way you think, feel, and behave. It can make it hard to cope with everyday life and relationships. Counselling and medication can be helpful. It's normal to feel sad or worried however if the changes keep happening and cause disruption to your life, it is more serious. If someone you know has changes in their mood and their behavior that are disturbing or making it difficult to live day-to-day, speak to them about it. If you believe they're at risk of suicide or self-harm contact triple zero (000) immediately. Around 264 million people suffer from depression, anxiety disorders, and other mental disorders. The symptoms include mood swings, difficulty getting enough sleep or concentrating, as well as changes in eating or drinking. The condition can be caused by a variety of factors including brain chemicals, genes or stress. It can also be triggered by traumatic events such as a car crash or natural disaster or war. Other causes include a family history, certain drugs or physical health issues. There isn't a single test to diagnose mental health disorders. A psychiatrist, a different medical doctor, or a clinical psychologist can diagnose mental health issues. Mental health professionals employ an approach to classification known as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM which classifies disorders into categories like anxiety disorder, depressive disorder and bipolar disorder. Non-categorical schemes like the one that was developed by German psychiatrist Kraepelin in the 19th century, and more recent ones, including the dimension models, are alternative approaches to diagnose. There is a continuing debate in the field of science regarding the relative advantages of categorical versus non-categorical systems. Certain people who suffer from mental health problems are stigmatised and this can lead to worse outcomes. Additionally there are numerous organizations and movements which are trying to educate the public about mental health problems and dispel the myths surrounding them. These include the Royal College of Psychiatrists' campaign Changing Minds, and the Carter Centre in the United States, which supports journalism fellowships that allow journalists to study and write about mental health and illnesses. Diagnosis The first step to manage your symptoms is to seek a diagnosis of mental illness. A diagnosis will help your doctor figure out what's causing your mood and behavioral issues and choose the best course of treatment. Based on the severity of your illness, you may need outpatient treatment, hospitalization, or medication. A mental health assessment can aid your doctor in finding out if there is something else, such as an illness that is physical, could be the cause of your symptoms. During the mental state examination Your doctor may ask you questions to find out the way you feel and think. They may also perform physical examinations to check for any muscle weakness, changes in vision or difficulty walking. They will ask about any medication you're taking that is not prescription-only and supplements. There are a variety of mental health tests ranging from simple questionnaires to brain imaging techniques. Some tests are used for screening specific illnesses, such as anxiety or depression. Other tests are used to evaluate a person's functioning, such as concentration or memory. One of the most important aspects of a mental health assessment is the cognitive assessment, which checks for issues that affect how you think. Your doctor will test your alertness, ability to pay attention and focus as well as your memory, reading comprehension and the use of language to express yourself. You might be asked to read a short text and then be asked about it later. This is to check for paraphasic mistakes (mistakes made in pronunciation), semantic mistakes (mistakes made in the meaning) and neologisms. Certain tests, like personality inventories, measure a patient’s emotions or behaviors. These tests can tell you if you are optimistic, pessimistic, empathetic or competitive, or if your personality is more likely to trust other people or be competitive. Other tests assess the capabilities, abilities, and motivations. For example they can assess the work-related skills or value. Many mental health professionals prefer using their own assessment tools. They can also combine these tools with other methods, like interviewing clients or recording physiological functions. The MMPI-2 for instance is the most widely used psychometric test that evaluates how your thoughts, feelings and actions affect you. It has 10 primary clinical scales and three subscales to detect the presence of defensiveness, lies and inconsistent responses. Treatment Many people experience difficulties and some even have a mental disorder. Mental illness can affect the whole family. It can result in unemployment or homelessness, substance abuse, inappropriate incarceration, suicide and a less enjoyable life. Treatment for mental disorders can be extremely effective and improve the quality of life for a person. The treatment consists of some type of therapy and medication. Some people need to stay in a psychiatric institution. In a mental test the doctor will determine the degree to which a person's brain functions, remembers and processes data (cognitive function). The doctor will ask the person questions and then examine the person. The doctor will also ask the person about their relationships with others. The mental health test can include tests that measure short-term memories which is the capability of recalling information quickly after completing an intellectual task. The test may involve learning four unrelated concepts or items, a sentence or even a person's name and address. After 3 to 5 minutes you are asked to recall the information. The Beck Anxiety Inventory, a popular self-report test for anxiety assessment is used to gauge anxiety. In some cases doctors may request physical examinations to rule out neurological conditions such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, which can present with symptoms similar to those of mental disorders. During a physical exam, the doctor will examine the person's reflexes and sensory perception. Also, he will examine their posture and gait. The doctor can also conduct urine or blood tests to rule out infections or other diseases that might hinder the patient's mental health. The most commonly used treatments for mental disorders include the use of psychiatric medication and talking therapies. Talking therapies include psychotherapy and group therapy. Medications are often prescribed as antidepressants, benzodiazepines or mood stabilizers. Psychiatric medications can ease symptoms, but it's not always efficient. The effectiveness of any treatment depends on the severity and type of the disorder, as well as the person's reaction to it, as well as how much time the person spends in treatment. Early treatment can prevent symptoms from worsening and improve recovery.