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Mental Health Screening Definition
A Mental Health Screening implies an examination that is used to ascertain whether a patient is functioning on a healthy psychological, social, or developmental level.
A mental screening or rather a mental health assessment can also be used to assist in the diagnosis of some neurological disorders, specific diseases, or possible drug abuse. It is, therefore, the process of collecting information more precisely the past history of a person under the provision of psychiatric services for the purpose of making an appropriate diagnosis. Mental Health Test can thereby be considered as the first stage in Psychiatric treatments. This procedure is basically carried out by a Psychiatrist but in case it is a multidisciplinary treatment procedure then it involves nurses psychologists occupational therapists, social workers and licensed professional counselors.
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| Mental Health Awareness |
Purpose of Mental Health Screening
Mental health assessment is performed to assess for mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety, or parts of the continuation of its evaluation. They can also be used for assisting in the diagnosis of neurological pathologies, such as Alzheimer’s disease. A mental health checkup test may be conducted if a person is having difficulty at work, school, or in social situations. In such cases, a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or a personality disorder may begin with a mental health assessment as part of the initial diagnosis of the symptoms. A mental health screening test may also be done in case one is suspected of substance abuse.
The main purpose of using mental health checkups is to aid in the diagnosis of mental disorders. Your primary care provider may use a mental health screening to see if you need to undergo treatment from a mental health professional. A mental health professional is a psychotherapist who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health problems. If you are already seeing a mental health professional you may get a mental screening done in order to achieve a guideline for your treatment.
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| Mental Health Screening |
Performance of Mental Health Screening
As per the opinions of various psychotherapists near me, a mental screening test may be performed a proficient specialist in the Department of Psychological Health Care during a brief routine examination. However, if there are symptoms indicative of a mental disorder that is suspected to be present, in that case, the patient may be referred to a specialist for a more thorough mental health screening checkups. A specialist permitted to perform such screening may be a psychologist or a psychiatrist.
A psychologist is the one who can also be considered as a health care professional who has expertise in the specialized field of diagnosing issues related to one's mental health. A psychologist may have a degree called a PsyD (doctor of psychology). They are also professionals who are legally registered as Psychological Counselors. Psychologists can evaluate and counsel patients, and need to be licensed to practice.
The Usefulness of Mental Health Screening
As stated by the Mental Health Act 2017, it is an undeniable fact that the Mental Health Checkup Test plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis of Mental Health Issues and psychotherapeutic intervention. In recent years we have become well versed with the concept of regular or routine health checkups, yet we have not yet realized the importance of routined mental health checkups or screening.
it is essential to conduct periodic mental assessment because patients suffering from mental health issues may have problems with their physical wellbeing, such as poor diet. Screening is a crucial part as it looks after vital signs such as keeping a check on the physical as well as physiological well being of the individual.
Mental Health Screening is essential because health care professionals need to study the patient’s cognitive functioning: in relation to what they are thinking, their emotions, their values and beliefs and most of all what might be their next courses of action, such as suicide or serious self-injury. The results in the screening may disclose any changes in the patient’s family dynamics or lifestyle management. It may reveal their beliefs or rituals.
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| Mental Health Assessment |
Tools Used for Mental Health Screening
In spite of the high prevalence of mental health awareness and screening, the majority of the Indian population go without treatment mostly because their disorders in most cases go undiagnosed. Regular screenings in primary care and other healthcare settings aids in the early identification of mental health issues and substance use disorders, which can be converted into earlier care. Screenings should be provided to people of all ages, even the young and the elderly. Tools commonly used for the diagnosis of Common Mental Disorders are
- Preliminary Mental Health Screening Tool
- Behavioral and General Development Screening Tool
- Condition Specific Screening Tool.
It is high time to appear for a Mental Health Assessment if the following symptoms are seen to prevail in an individual:
- Too much worry or fear.
- Extreme feelings of sadness.
- A drastic change in one's personality, along with changes in his eating and sleeping patterns.
- Excess mood swings
- Anger frustration accompanied by irritability.
- Lack of energy and tiredness
- Confusion and difficulty in concentration
- Guilt feeling accompanied with worthlessness.
- Avoidance of Social Activities.
