Evaluating And Assisting In Mental Health With Chilliwack Psychologist And Counselling Clinic

Updated on May 9, 2022
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A mental health evaluation is when a professional, such as your psychologist, primary care doctor, or a psychiatrist, examines you to determine whether you have a mental condition and what form of therapy could be beneficial.

Everyone goes through difficult times. However, the terrible way somebody feels inside — sad, nervous, wanting to avoid others, having difficulties thinking — could be more than the highs and lows that most people feel from time to time. If indications like these begin to interfere with your or a loved one’s life, it’s critical to act. Evaluation and assistance can be found by visiting https://www.valleypsych.ca/. According to research, seeking treatment early may prevent symptoms from worsening and increase the possibility of a complete recovery.

The very first step is to have a mental health evaluation. It generally entails a few distinct aspects. You may be asked questions verbally, given physical examinations, and asked to complete a questionnaire.

What You Can Expect

Physical examination

Symptoms of physical ailments might often mirror those of a mental disorder. A physical exam may help find out if anything else, such as a neurological problem or thyroid issues, is at work. Inform your doctor about any known physical or mental health concerns, prescription or over-the-counter medications, and supplements you use.

Tests in the lab

To rule out a medical issue, your doctor may request bloodwork, a urinalysis test, a diagnostic test, or another testing. You will very certainly be asked about your drug and alcohol usage.

History of mental illness 

Your doctor will ask about the duration of your concerns, your personal or professional background of mental health problems, and any psychiatric therapy you’ve had.

Personal background 

Your doctor may also ask about your personal history or lifestyle: Do you have a spouse? What do you do for a living? Have you ever been in the military? Have you been arrested before? What kind of upbringing did you have? Your doctor may request you to identify the key causes of stress in your life, as well as any severe traumas you’ve experienced.

Psychological examination

You’ll be asked questions about your emotions, ideas, and habits. You may be questioned more about your symptoms, such as how they influence your daily life, what causes them to improve or worsen, and whether or not you’ve attempted to treat them on your own. Your doctor will also take note of your physical appearance and behavior: Are you easily irritated, shy, or aggressive? Do you make direct eye contact? Are you a talker? How do you look in comparison to other people your age?

Are you worried about a loved one?

If you suspect a friend or relative is experiencing symptoms, don’t be scared to bring up the subject of mental health. Let people know you care, tell them that mental disorders can be addressed, and offer to put them in touch with a specialist who can assist them.

Although you cannot compel a loved one to pursue diagnosis and treatment, you may express your concerns regarding their mental health to their primary care physician. Don’t anticipate any details in return due to privacy rules. However, if your family member is under the care of a health professional, the provider may exchange information with you if the loved one consent.

Cognitive assessment

Your doctor will test your capacity to think effectively, retain information, and apply mental reasoning during the evaluation. You may be tested on fundamental skills such as concentrating your attention, recalling brief lists, identifying familiar shapes or items, and doing easy arithmetic problems. You may be asked about your capacity to do everyday tasks such as caring for yourself rather than going to work.

A mental health examination may be used for any of the following purposes:

  • Determine if you have a cognitive or intellectual impairment.
  • Assist physicians in differentiating between anxiety and depression that may create similar symptoms.
  • Examine a person’s mental health after being referred for issues at work, school, or in their private life and relationships.
  • Determine the worth of an individual who has been charged with a crime such as drunk driving.
  • People often seek a mental health evaluation because they are suffering psychological, social, and/or behavioral problems. Others, such as a physician, school, or employer, may recommend them for assessment.

Following a mental health examination, your doctor should be able to make a diagnosis and determine the best course of therapy for you. Your treatment strategy will be determined by your particular diagnosis and circumstances. If you are in extreme distress or if you are in danger of harming yourself or others, institutionalization may be the best therapeutic choice. In other circumstances, a treatment plan including counseling and maybe medication may be a suitable match for your requirements.

There’s no need to live with the symptoms when there’s good therapy available. A mental health evaluation will provide your doctor with an accurate view of your psychological and emotional condition, enabling them to choose the best therapy for you. Once you’ve been diagnosed and have a treatment plan in place, you may learn to manage your illness and start feeling better. You can check https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/treatment+plan to know more.

A psychiatrist or psychologist will normally conduct verbal and written evaluations as part of a mental health examination. The questions are designed to provide a comprehensive picture of overall emotional health as well as your capacity to think, reason, and recall. Some persons are recommended for mental health care, while others are assessed after being put in a facility or charged with a crime. For most people, going through an assessment may be highly stressful, so it’s a good idea to prepare for a few of the questions you could be asked beforehand.

Cognitive Ability

A cognitive exam will ask you simple questions designed to assess your capacity to think, reason, and recall. The doctor may advise you to say the date and time, repeat a sequence of phrases, follow written instructions on a paper, or count backward from 100 by seven. One instance of a basic cognitive test is the Mini-Mental State Examination.

Depression

Depression tests often contain questions that you respond to by scoring on a scale from 0 to 3 or 4. Questions concerning mood, sleep patterns, food habits, thoughts of suicide, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors are all common. Two examples of written depression assessments are indeed the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and the Questionnaire.

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