Mental Status Examination A mental status examination (MSE) is an assessment process that enquires into specific aspects of a person’s mental health condition. A MSE also assesses the potential risks associated with specific mental health conditions, whether it be the risk of self-harm, harm of others or reputation (Procter, Hamer, McGarry, Wilson, Froggatt 2014). The MSE provides clinical framework for examining changes within the personal domains of; attitude, appearance, mood, affect, behaviour, orientation, speech, cognition, thoughts, perception, insight and judgement and risk (TRCHM 2014). Findings within these specific domains are placed with any subjective reports, biographical and historical information relating to this person. This then allows for an accurate opinion to be formed followed by the formulation of a correct diagnosis (Procter, et al 2014). This ultimately contributes to the treatment and care given on this person’s journey to recovery. The symptoms and mannerisms displayed by Robert will be deconstructed using a MSE to describe his mental state. Behaviour and A...
According to the C.D.C ( Centers for Disease Control) the term mental health is commonly used in reference to mental illness. However, knowledge in the field has advanced to a level that completely separates the two terminologies. But even so mental health and mental illness are indeed in fact related, they represent different psychological state of mind with in a person. Mental health refers to our physical and emotional well being. Mental health is mainly all about how we behave, interact, and think. It c...
Wrycraft, N, 2009. An Introduction to Mental Health. 1st ed. Glasgow: Bell and Bain Ltd.
Society's understanding of mental health has been revolutionized in recent decades. There has been increased research directed towards mental health, greater support for those who are affected, and a better understanding of it by the general public. In this current generation, mental illnesses are now viewed as serious conditions that need to be properly treated. Mental health is a vital component of an individual's well-being and how he or she is able to cope with the difficulties of life. When challenges arise, mental state is critical to overcoming those challenges. The ability of a person to maintain the integrity of their mental health is closely related to the extent to which honour and dignity can be maintained. The relationship between
Mental health can be seen as a continuum where illnesses are defined as patterns of behaviour that cause psychological suffering, distress and disability preventing adequate functioning with the potential of risk of harm to the self or others (Martins-Mourao, 2010, p. 92).
First, M., & Tasman, A. (2006). Clinical guide to the diagnosis and treatment of mental
The subjectivity to the mental health process offers has the potential for clinicians to misjudge or misdiagnosis mental disorders if patients. When developing a diagnosis mental health providers should develop a diagnostic system to navigate through the countless descriptors’ and symptoms a client may exhibit to differentiate behavioral, cultural, psychotic, and situational information. Cuthbert and Insel (2013) describes a diagnosis as the most important function for health care providers perform to ensure the true nature of a patient’s aliments are identified in order to serve the optimal medical care. Competent diagnostic interviewers take an investigative approach to their intake to account for all the “polythetic [of] symptoms list[ed]
In general, mental health has been defined as multifaceted based on six dimensions behavioral, cognitive, socio-political, effective, spiritual and psychological. In addition, mental health comprise of spiritual and emotional resilience that help an individual to continue surviving after sadness, disappointments and pains have occurred(Thomas, 2016). However, mental illness in refers to a mental health problem that involves the changes in
Assessment instruments are a critical component in psychological testing. Clinicians use psychological assessments as a process of testing individuals to generate a hypothesis about their behavior, personality, or capabilities. There are four primary types of psychological assessments including, clinical interviews, assessment of intellectual functioning, personality assessment, and behavioral assessments. In addition, other types of psychological testing can include, achievement, aptitude, neuropsychological, occupational, and specific clinical test that can measure current levels of depression or anxiety. For example, the assessment instrument called the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), measures characteristic attitudes
According to the National Alliance Mental illness is defined as a condition that impacts a person’s thinking, feeling, or mood and may affect his or her ability to relate to others or function on a
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is the comprehensive guide to diagnosing psychological disorders. This manual is published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and is currently in its fifth revision. Moreover, the manual is utilized by a multitude of mental health care professionals around the world in the process of identifying individuals with disorders and provides a comprehensive list of the various disorders that have been identified. The DSM serves as the essential resource for diagnosis of mental disorders based off of the various signs and symptoms displayed by individuals while also providing a basic reference point for the treatment of the different disorders. The manual attempts to remain scientific in its approach to identifying the underlying symptoms of each disorder while meeting the needs of the different psychological perspectives and the various mental health fields. The DSM has recently gone through a major revision from the DSM-IV-TR to the DSM-5 and contains many significant changes in both the diagnosis of mental disorders and their classifications.
Simpson, C. (2007) ‘Mental Health part3: Assessment and Treatment of Depression’ British Journal of Healthcare assistants. pp 167-171.
Providing an all inclusive, concrete definition of what a mental disorder is a complicated task. Many factors are responsible for the development and presence of a disorder; therefore, pinpointing and providing a universal definition can be quite difficult. In order to provide a basic set of universal parameters in what constitutes and defines a mental disorder, The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) was developed in order to help clinicians and providers navigate the many disorders. While the DSM provides a definition of mental disorder, different perspectives of psychology offer various views of mental disorder.
As humans when we are faced with any psychological or emotional problems, our initial thought is to turn to a therapist, doctor or any other health practitioners. Our initial thought when we are faced with problems regarding our health is to turn to a health professional because for ages that’s how it has been. When it comes to our health, health professionals nowadays do more harm than help. Many might disagree, but often patients are misdiagnosed with mental illnesses they do not have. Misdiagnosis occurs when a therapist or other health practitioners decide that a patient is suffering from a condition that he or she may not be suffering with. When misdiagnosed, patients are given unnecessary treatment, which could potentially
History shows that signs of mental illness and abnormal behavior have been documented as far back as the early Greeks however, it was not viewed the same as it is today. The mentally ill were previously referred to as mad, insane, lunatics, or maniacs. W.B. Maher and B.A. Maher (1985) note how many of the terms use had roots in old English words that meant emotionally deranged, hurt, unhealthy, or diseased. Although early explanations were not accurate, the characteristics of the mentally ill have remained the same and these characteristics are used to diagnose disorders to date. Cultural norms have always been used to assess and define abnormal behavior. Currently, we have a decent understanding of the correlates and influences of mental illness. Although we do not have complete knowledge, psychopathologists have better resources, technology, and overall research skills than those in ancient times.
The mental health assessment is a crucial part in everyday nursing care as it evaluates an individual’s mental condition to assess for risk factors of mental illnesses and provide optimal care and treatment. Mental health is described as “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.” (CDC) If the patient not mentally healthy, they can develop mentally illnesses, which can affect treatment and the disease process of physical ailments because without mental health a person cannot be completely healthy. “Suicide Risk Assessment in High Risk Adolescents” is a nursing article that outlines suicide risk factors and prevention strategies for assist nurses in performing mental health assessments. Suicide, the act of