Title: Is There a Mental Illness Test?
Headings: Is There a Mental Illness Test?
Is There a Mental Illness Test?
Reasons to Be Screened
Diagnosis
Physical Exam and Lab Tests
Personal History
Mental Health Screening
Next Steps
Psychological Tests
Screening Tests
How to Take a Screening Test at Home
Getting Help

Content: PCPs are qualified to diagnose mental illnesses, like major depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Sometimes, they prescribe medication to treat mental illness. Quite often, however, primary care physicians refer patients with a suspected mental illness to a mental health professional. A PCP may recommend a patient see a psychiatrist for medication management or a referral to a psychotherapist for talk therapy . Before starting treatment, the mental health professional who is making a diagnosis will interview the patient. Questions often focus on symptoms, history of symptoms, and difficulties with functioning. 2 ﻿
Family members may be interviewed as well. This is especially true when a child is being diagnosed with a mental illness or when an individual has poor insight or is an unreliable reporter. The mental health professional will also observe the patient in the office. Some symptoms may be obvious in the interview, such as low energy or hyperactivity.