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Mental Health Assessment – What You Need to Know The percent of patients who improve is a key indicator of quality in mental health care. It is usually measured when the patient is discharged from a mental clinic. It is calculated as a fraction with the numerator representing the number of patients classified as having improved, and the denominator representing the total number of discharged patients. Get another opinion It is essential to seek out help when you're suffering from mental health issues. The NHS offers a mental health assessment service which can help you understand and treat your condition. However, waiting lists are long, and should you be at risk of harming yourself or others, it's essential to get an opinion as soon as possible. This can be done by seeking out an independent psychiatrist or by asking your local GP for advice. A mental health assessment is a detailed examination that includes questions and physical tests. It also looks at your medical history and any medications you are taking. It will also consider whether there is any history of mental illness in your family and the way you are feeling. Answering all these questions honestly is vital since the doctor will use the information to make a diagnosis. The assessment could include a psychiatric examination which is a series of tests to gather information on your cognitive functioning and brain function. It can be structured or unstructured based on the individual's requirements. This can include psychometric tests, interviews, and recordings of your voice. You should know that you have rights as patients. The AMHP will consider your gender, age, social background, your sexual orientation, your disability, and any other factors that could affect the way in which the test is conducted. If the Psychiatrist is concerned that you pose a threat to yourself or others, they can recommend sectioning you under the Mental Health Act. www.iampsychiatry.uk is a very important decision that must be made by the AMHP after careful discussion with you and the other health professionals who are involved in your care. The AMHP will often consider alternative options prior to making a section. If you are unhappy with the mental health assessment, you may contact your GP or AMHP. There are also NHS complaints advocates, who can help you if your concerns have not been taken seriously. You can also ask for an additional opinion from a specialist, however, this is only possible in the event that your local ICB agrees to fund it. Request an interpreter Communication is crucial in the realm of mental well-being. This is especially true in psychiatry, where assessment, diagnosis and treatment are typically dependent on the communication between clinician and patient. It is essential to request an interpreter in the event that a patient isn't fluent in English or prefers an alternative language. An interpreter is a person who is trained to translate between two languages. They are also taught to remain neutral and unbiased throughout the session. Before the interview can begin, it is important to have an interpreter available so that everyone knows what is expected of them. An experienced interpreter is aware that they must only relay what the patient is saying, without changing or enhancing any information. This could lead to confusion, which could impact the outcome of the assessment and treatment plan. The interpreter must also be conversant with psychiatry medical terminology, and the specifics. Another aspect to be aware of is that patients could be emotional or upset during an assessment and the interpreter must be able to handle this. It is recommended to have a meeting with the interpreter prior to the interview to assess their ability to handle emotional reactions. Ask the interpreter for their experience and qualifications to make sure they are well-prepared for this kind of job. The study authors recommend using a consistent interpreter for each appointment with the same patient, because this can help establish a connection and reduce the likelihood of confusion. They also suggest arranging an appointment between the interpreter and the clinician prior to the interview to discuss the objectives of the psychiatric assessment and the major areas to be discussed, and any sensitive subjects that are likely to be explored. The NHS offers a service known as Safe Space that provides support to people experiencing mental illness. It is possible to access this service by contacting an area hub, or the Single Point of Access. AMHP can be contactable by GPs, friends, and family members to schedule an evaluation. In extreme cases, a doctor may decide that a patient needs to be sectioned under the Mental Health Act. This means that they'll be referred to an NHS facility for care and treatment, for instance a mental hospital. Bring a friend or relative It is helpful to bring a friend along to assist you during a mental health evaluation. They can assist you to recall what's being discussed and ensure that your opinions are heard. If necessary, they may also offer emotional support. They might need to share sensitive information with you if they think you could harm you or others. The psychologist or psychiatrist will inquire about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They'll also inquire about your family background as well as your relationships and your job. They might also inquire about any traumatic experiences that you've been through. They will pay close to your appearance and tone of voice, since these can give them clues as to your emotional state. They'll want to know whether your health issues are making it difficult to care for yourself and whether any other people are affected by these symptoms. They might also inquire about your medication and how you're getting on with it. They may recommend that you take part in an intervention program or psycho-psychiatric assessment. If they feel that you're at a high risk of harming yourself or others, they might suggest that you be admitted to hospital under Section 3 of the Mental Health Act. You'll need to accept this and have two medical professionals agree that you should be sectioned. This is a major decision and you should be given the chance to discuss the issue before a decision is taken. If you're detained in hospital under Section 3 or Section 3, your family members and friends can assist by calling the NHS advocacy service. They can provide you with the contact information for the independent mental health advocate services (IMHA) that cover the ward. They will also be able to assist you if you have complaints about your treatment. You can ask your care coordinator or local council about advocacy services. Rethink is a non-profit organization that can also offer guidance. The mental health team will only be accountable for your mental healthcare, but not your physical health treatment. Get involved A mental health assessment is an examination of your mental condition by a medical professional. It involves tests, observations and questions. They are used to aid the doctor to understand the way you think, feel and reason. It can also involve physical examination. The doctor will determine whether you are at risk of hurting yourself or anyone else. The psychiatrist you are seeing will discuss the treatment options you could benefit from, such as talk therapy. They may suggest you take medication. You should let them know about any other medications that you are taking in case they affect your health. It is also a good idea to keep a list of any supplements or medications you're currently taking. The Psychiatrist can also tell you about other support services you may be in a position to access. This includes safe spaces and a local hub that anyone in crisis can access and the Crisis Assessment and Treatment Teams offered by Richmond Fellowship. These teams provide assistance to adults in Hammersmith and Fulham and Ealing and Hounslow to avoid hospital admission. If the Psychiatrist decides that you are in immediate risk of harming yourself or others they will refer you to a certified mental health specialist for an assessment of your inpatient status under section 2. The AMHP will determine whether they believe that you should be admitted in a voluntary manner to hospital and consult the Psychiatrist that conducted your initial assessment. Your team should involve you in all decisions affecting your treatment and care. They should also involve your carers and friends in the process. You will be asked on a variety of occasions if you'd like to include family members in your planning. You should also be able to talk to any of the team members directly. If you have been sent to the mental health team, you must be seen in 18 weeks. The wait times for appointments in England differ. You should contact the provider that you were referred to find out what you'll have to wait. You can also request a specific care coordinator, and you can seek advice from advocacy organizations such as Rethink.