Mental Health Assessment - What to Expect
Mental health problems can have a significant impact on the lives of people and their physical wellbeing. If you are concerned about your mental health, it is important to take action and seek help as soon as you can.
A new law has entered force, giving customers of services the right to have independent advocacy. It also imposes duties on local authorities, Health Boards, and other organizations to provide advocacy services.
What is a mental health assessment?
Mental health assessments are made by healthcare professionals to help them understand your problems. They can be used to find the most effective treatment options for you, whether that is medication or therapy. They can also be used to determine the effectiveness of your current treatment and monitor changes over time.
A mental health evaluation begins with a discussion of your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. It's essential to be open and honest during this phase. This can affect the treatment you receive.
The assessment process can consist of psychometric tests or interviews. These questionnaires can be either verbal or written and may be focused on how you feel as well as your thoughts and your memory. They could also ask questions about things like your family history, and any previous mental health issues. In addition to these questions the healthcare professional might want to do a physical exam as part of the examination. This will help them determine any medical issues that could be causing the symptoms you're suffering from, for example, diabetes or thyroid.
During the mental health assessment, a health professional will monitor your behavior and ask you about any issues you may have at home or at work. They might also inquire about your past experience with drugs or alcohol and any risk factors for mental illness, like an ancestor's history of depression or genetic characteristics. They might also inquire about any medications you are taking and assess whether your symptoms are connected to specific medications.
In certain situations, a medical professional might opt to conduct an in-depth psychological examination. The majority of times, they will use this to gather more information regarding the root of your symptoms, and will look at your past experiences and relationships, your personality, and interests. They can also conduct tests to see the way your brain works, such as taking note of your reaction times and looking at your eye movements. These tests are known as neuropsychological tests.
A psychiatric assessment is performed by a psychologist or psychiatrist. These are doctors with expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. They will examine you with an amalgamation of physical and psychological techniques and will discuss your condition in depth.
What happens during a psychological assessment?
The doctor will inquire about your thoughts, feelings and behaviour. They will also take into account any previous diagnoses and treatments you've had. They will also consider your family history, social history, and any other information they believe may be helpful in determining the source of your symptoms. It is essential to answer all the questions in a straight and honest manner. This will give the doctor the best chance to get an accurate diagnosis.
Some of the questions that you are asked might be triggering or sensitive, but it is essential that you try to be honest about your feelings and experiences with confidence. The assessment will allow your doctor to determine what could be the cause of your symptoms, and what treatment is most suitable for you.
During the appointment your doctor will be paying attention to your behavior, appearance and your interactions with other people. They will look for any signs of anxiety, depression or psychosis. They will also try to understand why you're feeling the way that you do.
They will also need to know if you are taking any medication and what kind of work you are doing. They should also know whether you have had any kind of trauma in the past and whether you know anyone who has experienced similar issues. They will also want to know if you have a medical condition that might be responsible for your symptoms, like heart disease or diabetes.
The test can last anywhere between 30 and 90 minutes depending the reason you are assessed. The doctor may have to complete written or verbal assessments as well as perform an examination of the body during the exam.
You have the right to request a second opinion if you are unhappy with the results of your mental health assessment. You can request this through your local NHS trust. You can also ask your psychiatrist or care coordinator for advice and support.
What can Iam Psychiatry expect from a mental health assessment?
The person who is assessing you will ask questions about your medical history, your family history and any symptoms that you have been experiencing. They might also review your past psychiatric treatment and current medication. This is important because it helps professionals rule out physical causes for your symptoms.
Your assessment will include physical examination. This could include urine and blood tests, and a review of your reflexes. If you think you're suffering from a neurological issue it is possible to request an EEG or CT scan.
It is essential to be truthful and answer all the questions asked by the doctor assessing you. This will help them form an accurate diagnosis and decide the best treatment option for you. Be aware that getting a precise diagnosis can take a long time. It's common for patients to be anxious and angry as they wait for a diagnose.
In some instances, an assessment of mental health will include an exhaustive exam of the patient to look for signs such as suicidal thoughts or aggression toward themselves or others. This is often a serious aspect of the evaluation and will require the assistance of a qualified therapist.
If mental health assessors find that someone is a risk to themselves or others, they could decide that the person has to be admitted to hospital. Depending on the circumstances, they might be admitted right after the evaluation or at a later date.
The professionals will also be able observe how a person interacts with family members and with other people. They'll ask questions about the main sources of stress as well as any traumatizing events that have been a part of the individual's life. Before the assessment can begin the physician who will be conducting it must have authorization and consent forms signed by the person.
You can always get a second opinion if the family members of the individual are concerned that the professionals who are evaluating them may not be giving the best diagnosis. You can do this through your GP, private therapists or community mental health services.
What can I do if I'm not satisfied with my mental health assessment report?
It is crucial to tell someone if you are not satisfied with the results of an evaluation. Health and social care professionals must always provide a clear explanation of what will happen during an appointment and the length of time it will take. They should also tell you the reasons and the reason they will share your personal information, and ask permission before sharing. You may bring a person who is a friend or an advocate along to your appointment and they will be able to represent your interests and views. They could be professionals like lawyers or volunteers like mental health charity workers.
Some people might feel the process of having an assessment of their mental health challenging or even painful, but it's important to remember that the aim is to help you improve. If you can't be honest with the professional conducting the assessment they won't be able to assess you and treat you properly.
The NHS offers free mental health services but it's worth examining whether there could be waiting lists for treatment and waiting can make your symptoms worse. If you are unable to wait for treatment, you can pay privately to receive an assessment and treatment. This isn't for everyone, but it's a possibility if you're able to afford it.
It is also important to keep in mind that the manner in which the NHS operates has changed. In certain parts of England there are new Integrated Care Systems were introduced that connect different health and health-related organizations. You could be referred by an entirely different Mental Health Team than before.
If you think the treatment or evaluation you're receiving isn't helping you, it's crucial to voice your concerns. It isn't easy to express your opinion but it's important. Your mental health professional is likely to be able arrange an additional opinion or refer you to a different service. If they do not suggest it, you could contact an independent advocacy group like Rethink, or Mind to file an appeal on your behalf.
If you decide to move, the MHT will transfer all of your care to a new service as quickly as possible. However this isn't always the case. It is important to inform your MHT know that are moving, as it could impact the support you receive from them.