Mental Health Assessments for Adults and Children
If certain issues are causing problems in your everyday life, it is probably time to seek a Mental Health Assessment.
What is a Mental Health Assessment?
Mental Health Assessment is a process where you consult a professional and take a series of tests. The assessment checks whether a person has a mental problem and determines a treatment. With a proper diagnosis and a personal plan, there is a good chance that a person can get out of an unhealthy behavioral pattern.
If you or someone you know is showing signs of anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions, it is a good idea to get a mental health assessment.
The assessment may involve a series of tests including answering questions and some physical tests.
What to expect in a Mental Health Assessment?
Interview with a doctor (GP)
Each interview will be unique. Your doctor might ask about your mental illness symptoms while observing several factors. They will observe your mood and how you look and speak. They might ask about family and marital history, work and financial situation, as well as emotional experiences.
As much as possible, answer all questions accurately. Honest answers help your doctor to make an accurate diagnosis and appropriate roadmap towards having good mental health.
Physical Examination
The purpose of a physical exam in a mental health assessment is to exclude physical causes. As sometimes, physical illness can cause symptoms that mimic those of a mental disorder.
The doctor will look into your family’s medical history to check if there is a history of mental illness in your family.
Other medical tests
There may be other lab tests such as blood work, a urine test or a brain scan.
The doctor will ask about your symptoms in more detail and gauge your ability to think clearly and recall information. They look into things such as attention focus, memory, solving maths problems, and the ability to perform daily tasks.
Mental Health Assessment for Children
Like adults, children should also get mental health assessments. According to a study, 1 in 7 children and teenagers have at least one treatable mental health disorder that needs a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation.
A paediatrician evaluates any child or adolescent who is showing symptoms of emotional problems. This might be a little tricky as it’s difficult for children to know if what they are thinking or feeling is normal or not. That is why particular screening measures are followed depending on the child’s age.
An assessment can take your mental health to a whole new level. Rather than spending your time self-diagnosing with little to no help from professionals, it is better to go to a GP to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.
If you think that you or someone you care about is suffering from a mental health disorder, the first step is to take a mental health assessment. If you are looking for additional help or would like to take a mental health first aid course, we are here for you!
First Aid Mental Health Australia offers mental health training courses that will help you identify and recognise the signs of a mental health problem. Know what to do, where to go, and how to seek help in a mental health emergency. Give us a call at 08 8382 4677 or email us at courses@firstaidpro.com.au for more information.