Mental illness is all too prevalent in today’s world. One of the reasons it is often untreated is because it’s difficult to diagnose.
Unlike physical ailments, mental illness can not be seen so there are not as many obvious signs. And even when doctors find a disorder exists, they may have difficulty determining the type of illness they are dealing with.
Fortunately, modern medicine has made it possible to diagnose mental illness, often with accuracy. Read on to find out what’s involved in the diagnosis process.
What Does the Diagnosis Process Involve?
The provider will take the following steps in the diagnosis process.
A Physical Exam: A physical exam will be conducted to determine whether the patient has underlying physical ailments that may be contributing to their mental health issues. It will work as a process of elimination ruling out other possible causes of a disorder.
Lab Tests: Lab tests may be part of the physical exam and will further eliminate the possibility of medical issues contributing to the disorder.
Psychological Exam: A psychological exam will involve a mental health professional talking to you about your symptoms and what may be behind them. You may be asked to fill out a questionnaire to determine the issues you are experiencing. You will be asked things such as:
- What types of feelings, behaviors, and physical symptoms you are experiencing
- How long you’ve been experiencing these symptoms
- The impact the symptoms are having on your life
A general practitioner may be able to diagnose your symptoms, but if complications are present, a psychologist will be brought in to address the problem.
How Do Mental Health Professionals Determine Which Issue You are Dealing With?
There are many mental illnesses out there and it’s not uncommon for people to get misdiagnosed. When this occurs, they may be prescribed medications and treatments that don’t improve the disorder and can even make symptoms worse.
Misdiagnosis is minimized by consulting the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (DSM-5). This is a manual published by the American Psychiatric Association which defines each disorder. It is used by professionals to diagnose conditions and by insurance companies to reimburse for treatment.
Treatment Options
Once your condition is diagnosed, you can start on a treatment plan. Treatment plans often involve a combination of traditional and alternate therapies, and medication. It can be difficult to come forward about a mental illness, but after you are diagnosed and start on a plan, you will feel better on a mental and physical level.
There are many paths you can take to find the mental health help you need. Progressive Ketamine is a unique option that just may be right for you. Contact our clinic to find out how to achieve a higher level of health and happiness.
