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Mental Health Assessment and Advocacy in Mental Health A mental health assessment is a professional's evaluation of your mood and ability to think clearly, remember information, and how you interact with others. It is also used to check whether a person suffers from mental disorders like depression or neurological diseases such as dementia. During the examination, you will be asked questions. Some people find it useful to bring someone from the family or a close friend to help them or ask an advocate such as an official from the local council or charity Mind to join in. Holistic approach The holistic approach to mental health assessment focuses on the whole person, as well as their physical and spiritual wellbeing. It also considers the lifestyle of the patient as well as their relationships as they play a major role in the mental health of a person. It is essential for healthcare providers to understand how these factors influence the patient's condition prior to making a decision on a treatment plan. This kind of assessment can reveal any imbalances or disconnections within the mind, body and heart that may be contributing to the patient's symptoms. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners (PNPs) are able to work with patients to build trust and establish an open communication line. They place a high value on active listening, which is the first step in establishing a therapeutic alliance with their patients. By building this relationship the psychiatric nurses can ensure that patients feel valued and heard throughout their treatment. A holistic approach to mental assessment takes into consideration the individual's specific needs which are influenced by their culture, heritage and language, age, gender and sexuality as well as their relationship status and faith. It looks at the psychological and emotional impact these influences can have on a person, as well their financial and lifestyle. This information is used in order to develop a customized treatment program. Mental illnesses can be caused by medical conditions like biochemical imbalance or neurological illness, but many people are affected by this condition due to environmental and lifestyle factors. Poor diet, insufficient rest, inactivity and stress are all causes that can lead to mental illness. A solution to these issues can help improve their symptoms and reduce the chance of developing further health problems. PNPs employ a variety methods and techniques to assess the overall health of a patient such as psychotherapy, acupuncture, and massage therapy. These techniques are based on the ancient Eastern healing practices as well as modern Western medical practices. PNPs integrate mindfulness and relaxation techniques to improve the quality of life of their patients. A holistic approach to care has been proven in numerous studies to be beneficial in improving the health outcomes of older adults who suffer from multiple long term diseases and frailty. A literature review suggests that a thorough evaluation is needed to determine the effectiveness in community and hospital settings. This review will combine the evidence supporting the effectiveness of a holistic approach to health care for older adults in both hospital and community environments. Personal background Most mental health professionals will ask questions to determine the extent to which a person's condition is impacting their lives. This could include asking what makes the symptoms more or less severe, if they've been for a long period of time, and how they impact both home and work. The doctor will also examine the appearance and behavior of the patient to determine if it is unusual. The doctor will also look at any drugs or supplements that the patient is taking as well as their potential side effects. The interview is an important element of the evaluation and assists the doctor in getting an overall picture of how the symptoms are affecting the person's mood, behaviors and thinking ability as well as memory (cognitive functioning). This information can help the doctor decide whether it is an illness of the mind or an actual physical condition such as arthritis is causing the symptoms. In addition to the interview, the doctor will also conduct a physical exam. This includes an exam for the neuromuscular system to determine conditions like Parkinson's or Alzheimer's. It will also examine how the patient moves, the quality of their speech and whether they have issues with balance. The doctor will also check for the presence of any medication in the urine or blood. Psychological testing is typically employed in conjunction with mental health assessments and is performed in a clinical setting. Tests can be either written or verbal and are typically standardized to assess specific disorders. These tests may include questionnaires that assess depression, anxiety levels, impulsiveness, or intelligence. They also assess the ways people react to specific stimuli like colors and shapes. Some patients find it helpful to bring a family member or friend member with them to their mental health assessment. This can provide support and let them discuss their feelings and thoughts with their healthcare professional. Some patients are more at ease with a person who can represent their needs and opinions during the examination. These could be volunteers like mental health professionals or health charity workers like lawyers. Tests A mental health assessment is a method of evaluating the way an individual thinks, communicates to others and remembers. This requires direct questions as well as observation. The health care provider may utilize standard instruments, such as the mini-mental state exam (MMSE). Additional tests could be offered to those who require more detailed evaluation. The MMSE measures the ability of a patient to answer short questions and recognize familiar people and places, as well as their ability to focus and do simple calculations. It also tests their short-term memories. The short-term memory test can be done by having the patient learn four unrelated objects, concepts, a short phrase or a five-component title and address and then recollect the information in three to five minutes. An IQ test is used to determine how intelligent an individual is. It can be measured using the use of a pencil and paper or with a computerized test. IQ tests are typically included in a complete psychological assessment. A mental health assessment is usually performed in conjunction with a physical exam to rule out any medical issues that may cause a person's symptoms. This could include blood tests, Computed Tomography or Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Psychological or Neuropsychological tests can not provide a prediction of future thoughts, feelings or actions. However, they can help discern specific patterns or trends that may be indicative of mental disorders. The Beck Anxiety Inventory is another test that can be used in a mental health evaluation. It assesses the severity of anxiety-related symptoms. Its precise scoring can help professionals determine whether the anxiety of a patient are normal and minor, or severe and debilitating. The stigmatization of therapy clients is also common. This can lead to reluctance to undergo an assessment for mental health or attend therapy. Psychologists can assist their clients in overcoming this barrier by using an exercise called Understanding Mental Health Stigma. It encourages them to openly talk with their family and friends about the issues they are experiencing. Performance data is another popular instrument used in mental health assessments. This is done by asking the user to complete a task via an app, and then collecting data about their ability to complete the task. These apps are commonly designed to appear like video games and utilize adaptive algorithms that minimize floor or ceiling effects, or the practice effect typical of traditional pen-and paper tests. Advocacy Advocacy for mental health is the process of helping people with mental illnesses or conditions to be able to meet their needs. This may include raising awareness about mental illness, establishing support groups and education about the condition. where can i get a mental health assessment involves making sure that mental illness is on the agenda of government officials and that there are resources available. It can be done either directly or indirectly, through advocacy groups (patients families, patients, non-governmental organizations and mental health professionals) or by convincing policy makers and planners to take action. When conducting a mental examination the doctor will ask questions and notes the patient's appearance, activity level and mood and emotional state thoughts and speech and behavior. He will also look at the patient's physical examination to determine whether the symptoms result from mental disorders or an illness of the body. He will also inquire with the patient about his medical history and any medications. Diagnostic tests, like blood tests, MRIs, or CT scans, could be required. A thorough mental assessment could include an in-depth interview and psychometric tests that test the person's personality traits and thinking abilities. A psychiatrist or psychologist will employ these tests to collect information about the patient's condition and his or her behavior. These tests are unstructured or structured, and they can vary from closed questions to open discussions. These tests can be used to assess various disorders, from depression to bipolar disorder and anxiety. Mental health assessments also test cognitive functioning, which is the ability to think clearly and recall information. This includes the capacity of a person to focus and perform simple calculations. The assessment will also examine discernment and judgement, which involve a person's ability to make informed decisions. An advocate can help patients find treatment options and work with doctors to ensure their mental health needs are being met. Advocates may be individuals who volunteer, such as mental health charity workers, or professionals, such as lawyers. Advocacy can be essential to the success of mental health and result in improvements to services and policies. It can also alter the public's perceptions of those suffering from mental illness which makes them feel more valued and compassionate.