Introduction

Mental health tests are an overall evaluation which includes your emotional, reasoning and cognitive functions abilities. They include interviews and tests with mental health professionals and regular physicians.

Mental Health Assessments distinguish between physical disorders and mental disorders such as anxiety, schizophrenia, depression and other dementia. Mental health tests are very important in the detection of learning disabilities such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), conduct disorder (CD), or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

It is also used to evaluate the mental status of a person who has been institutionalized, arrested or otherwise suspected of dysfunctional behavior, such
as drunken driving, physical abuse and other
criminal antisocial behavior and clinical Dementia.

Questions to assess your cognitive functioning (your thinking, reasoning, and memory) are also included. Perception, thought processes, logical thinking, and suicidal tendencies may also be included in the interview.

Physical examination

Depending on the setting and circumstances, a mental health assessment may or may not include a physical examination. In a case where it is determined one is needed, the health professional will review your past medical history (as well as that of your family members) including medications you currently take, if any.

Your senses (hearing, taste, sight, smell, and touch) your reflexes and balance are examined as a way to test the nervous system.

Lab tests

If a nervous system problem is suspected or discovered by the physical examination screening, tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scan or electroencephalography (EEG) may be done. Laboratory tests for thyroid function, electrolyte levels and toxicology to detect drug or alcohol problems are often part of the screening.

Mental Health Tests are an in depth tool for practitioners to better diagnose and treat a patient. In the following days we will discuss the process to include written and verbal tests, the risks and fears of stigma, mental health tests for children and much more.