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Mental Health Assessment – What You Need to Know The percentage of patients who improve is an excellent indicator of the quality of the mental health services. initial mental health assessment is usually determined at the time that the patient is discharged from an inpatient mental clinic. It is calculated as a fraction with the numerator representing the number of patients identified as having improved and the denominator representing the total number of patients discharged. Get an opinion from a different source. It is essential to seek help if you are suffering from mental health issues. The NHS has a mental health assessment service which can help you understand and manage your illness. However, the waiting lists are long, and should you be at risk of harming yourself or others, it's crucial to seek a second opinion as soon as you can. This can be done by consulting an independent psychiatrist or by asking your GP in your area for advice. A mental health assessment is a thorough evaluation that includes both psychological and physical examinations. It also analyzes your medical history as well as any medications you are taking. It will also consider whether there is an history of mental illness in your family and how you feel. Answering all these questions honestly is essential because the doctor will utilize the information to make an assessment. The assessment could include an psychiatric exam which is a series of tests to gather information on your cognitive functioning and brain function. It can be unstructured or structured based on the needs of the individual. It may include interviews and psychometric tests, as well as recordings of your voice and how you talk. You should know that you have rights as an individual patient. The AMHP will evaluate your age, gender and social background, your sexual orientation or disability, as well as any other factors that could affect the way in which the test is conducted. If you are concerned that you could be a danger to you or others, the psychiatrist may suggest that your case be classified in accordance of the Mental Health Act. This is a serious decision that must be made by the AMHP after careful discussion with you and the other healthcare professionals involved in your treatment. Sectioning is not always feasible, and the AMHP will usually discuss other options before making a decision. If you are not happy with the mental health assessment, you may make contact with your GP or AMHP. You can also reach out to NHS complaints advocates if you feel your concerns were not treated with the utmost respect. You can also request a second opinion however only in the event that the ICB in your area agrees to pay for it. Request an interpreter Communication is crucial in the realm of mental well-being. This is particularly true in the field of psychiatry, where assessment diagnosis and treatment often depend on the dialogue between the patient and doctor. It is important to request an interpreter if a patient doesn't speak English or prefers another language. An interpreter is a person who is trained to translate between two languages. They are also trained to remain neutral and impartial throughout the session. Before the interview starts it is essential to have an interpreter available to ensure that everyone understands what is expected of them. An experienced interpreter will be able to comprehend that they should only relay what is said by the patient, without adding or altering any aspect of the conversation. This can create confusion and alter the outcome of an assessment or treatment plan. The interpreter must also be familiar with psychiatry, medical terminology and the subtleties. Another thing to keep in mind is that patients could be upset or emotional during an assessment and the interpreter must be able to handle this. It is recommended to meet with the interpreter before the interview begins, and gauge their comfort level with emotional reactions. Additionally, it is beneficial to ask the interpreter about their training and experience, to ensure that they are well equipped for this kind of work. The researchers of the study suggest that an interpreter who is consistent be used for all appointments with the same client. This can help establish a connection, and minimize the risk of miscommunication. They also recommend scheduling a meeting between the interpreter and the clinician prior to the interview to discuss the goals of the assessment as well as the major areas to be addressed, and any sensitive issues which are likely to be discussed. The NHS offers a safe place service that assists people suffering from a mental health crisis. It is accessible via the local hub or by calling the Single Point of Access. Family members, GPs and friends can also contact the AMHP to schedule an assessment. In extreme circumstances, a doctor might decide that a patient should be sectioned according to the Mental Health Act. This means that they will be admitted to an NHS facility, like a mental hospital, for care and treatment. Invite a family member or friend to join you. If you're undergoing an assessment for mental health, it can be helpful to have someone to help you. They can help you to recall what's being said and make sure that your voice is heard. If necessary, they may also provide emotional assistance. They might have to divulge certain sensitive information with you for instance, if they think that you are at risk of harming yourself or others. The psychologist or psychiatrist will inquire about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They'll also inquire about your family history as well as your relationships and work. They might also inquire about any painful experiences you've had. They will pay close to your appearance and tone of voice, as these could provide clues about your emotional state. They'll be interested in knowing if your symptoms make it difficult for you or anyone else to take care of themselves, and whether they affect other people. They might also ask about your medication and how you're coping with it. They may suggest that you participate in a treatment program or psycho-psychiatric assessment. If they think you're at a high risk of harming yourself or others, they may recommend that you be admitted to a hospital under Section 3 of the Mental Health Act. You'll have to agree to this and have two doctors who agree to be sectioned. This is a serious decision and you should be given the opportunity to discuss the issue before a decision is made. If you're in a hospital for Section 3, your family and friends can aid by contact the NHS advocacy service. They can provide you with the contact details for the independent mental health advocate services (IMHA) that are available on the ward. You can also seek assistance if you want to make a complaint regarding your care. You can learn more about advocacy services from your care coordinator or your local council. You can also contact charity Rethink for help. The mental health team is accountable for your mental health, not for your physical health. Get involved A mental health assessment is an examination of your mental health condition by a medical professional. It involves questions, observations and tests. They help the doctor discern your thoughts and feelings as well as your reasoning. A physical examination can also be a part of the procedure. The doctor will determine if you are at a risk of harming yourself or anyone else. Your psychiatrist will talk with you about the treatment options you could benefit from, including talk therapy. They may recommend you take medication. It is important to inform them about any other medications that you are taking in case they affect your condition. Make a list of all medications and supplements you use. The Psychiatrist will also inform you about other support services you may be eligible to use. This includes safe spaces (a local centre for anyone who feels they are in crisis) and the Crisis Assessment and Treatment Teams provided by Richmond Fellowship, which offers assistance to adults living in Hammersmith and Fulham, Ealing and Hounslow to avoid hospital admission. If the Psychiatrist believes that you are at a high risk of risk of harming yourself or others they will refer you to an approved mental health professional for an inpatient assessment under section 2. The AMHP will decide if they believe you should be admitted in a voluntary manner to hospital, and will consult with the Psychiatrist who performed your initial assessment. Your care team must put you at the centre of your mental health care plan and involve you in all decisions about your treatment and support. 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 be able to speak directly with any member of the team. If you have been referred to the mental health team, you will be seen within 18 weeks. However, the waiting times can vary across England. It is worth contacting the service you are being referred to to find out the length of time you will be waiting. You can also ask for a specific care coordinator and you can also seek advice from advocacy services like Rethink.