Mental health is an important aspect of our health, and it can greatly impact how we feel about ourselves, think, communicate, learn, identify, etc. Assessments conducted by mental health professionals are invaluable in assessing an individual’s mental health using healthcare technology, which could be related to anxiety and or complex issues.
Psychologists and therapists use assessment tools for mental health to properly identify conditions, and create treatment plans. It is also worthwhile to talk a bit about the various types of mental health assessment tools and how to use them.
In this article, we will look at mental health screenings and discuss why screenings are important for counselors and psychotherapists in the clinical care of patients.
What is Mental Health Screening?
A mental health screening is, checking the health condition, a series of questions used to evaluate someone’s mood and behaviour in order to determine if they may potentially be struggling with a disorder related to mental health. Mental health screenings can be done online or by a medical professional to help you analyse your mental health, and when it requires consultation.
The Role of Mental Health Screenings
- A mental health screening can help identify issues sooner, before they cause more serious issues.
- It can also help a provider determine if your physical issues might be related to an undiagnosed mental health disorder.
- Experiencing symptoms, screening detects those symptoms early, you are better poised to benefit from the therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, etc.
- People with evidence to empower them to serve themselves by getting help, which fosters proactive care around mental health.
- Empower individuals by giving them the knowledge and the means to seek help, thereby promoting approach to mental health care.
Types of Mental Health Screenings
Depression screening
Screening for depression involves looking for symptoms of depression, including prolonged periods of sadness, diminished interest in activities previously enjoyed, and fatigue. A feeling that there is no future or hope for change, and variations in lifestyle habits such as sleep and/or eating. An example of a screening tool for depression would be the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Screening for depression ultimately allows the opportunity for early treatment interventions. Early treatment helps to reduce pain and concurrently improves quality of life.
Dementia screening
The importance of identifying dementia as early as possible for diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease and other types. Also, treatment that is initiated early can alter the course of the disease by managing symptoms effectively and maintaining quality of life. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is used for dementia screening.
Anxiety screening
The mechanisms of screening for anxiety are different than those for depression, and screening specifically addresses anxiety symptoms of excessive worry, feelings of bodily restlessness, fears that are not rational, and problems with being unable to concentrate. There are screening tools that assist clinicians in identifying patients with anxiety, e.g., the scale questionnaire known as the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7).
Importance of Mental Health Screening Tools
Accurate diagnosis
At the start of treatment for mental illness, the clinician is wise to utilize comprehensive screening tools. Mental health screening tools can be succinct and are designed to focus on specific symptoms relating to mental wellness. To identify high-risk patients for whom they can develop more deliberate and possibly targeted treatment strategies.
Track symptoms
When a patient receives a diagnosis for hypertension, the standard of care includes anti-hypertensive medication to manage the patient’s blood pressure and guidelines for monitoring the patient’s blood pressure. Subjective measures of blood pressure, conducted after the patient has taken a course of medication, allows for the clinician to have objective data to titrate medications when making treatment decisions.
Higher patient care
Patients may be less than honest about their symptoms when they meet with their physician. This makes screening tools particularly necessary to help in detection and early treatment. A positive screen does not mean that a patient is diagnosed, but that they need to seek further assessment to determine the need for treatment. The earlier the treatment, the less dysfunction, and the better life.
Lower Long-Term Costs
Early detection and treatment of mental health problems can prevent expensive treatment options like hospitalization and care. Studies reveal that people with mental health problems that are co-occurring are likely to have much higher physical healthcare costs.
Assessment and Monitoring
Mental health measurement tools are significant elements of practice for clinicians, as they provide a sense of understanding about a patient’s behavioral health and functioning. These tools may include clinical interviews, psychological testing, and self-reporting and self-reflection assessment.
Selecting Mental Health Screening Tools
Screening is the process of identifying and informing about a mental health disorder. The first step is identifying the mental health screening tools (like ADHD Tools) that inspire confidence that patients will receive a thorough completion of the screening. This groundwork is the base from which assessment, diagnosis, monitoring, etc, can flow with favourable results for patients.
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