Do I Need a Mental Health Screening? Key Signs to Watch.
Mental health disorders are more common than we think they are. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in five adults in the U.S. suffers from some kind of mental illness. Although, only half of the people affected by any type of mental disorder receive any kind of treatment. Treatment of mental illness just like any other physical illness should be given a high priority, and just like any disease diagnosing it at an early stage can help you avoid serious complications later.
When should you consider undergoing a Mental Health Screening?
The first step towards seeking the right treatment for any disease is to look for early symptoms and get a diagnosis. If you or someone close to you are experiencing any of the following symptoms consider talking to a mental health professional for an evaluation. At Ohio Psychiatric Services we are dedicated to assist each patient with a customized treatment plan that is evidence based and proven to be effective and improve their overall quality of health for a happy life.
General Symptoms of Mental Health Disorders
● Excessive sadness or feeling ‘low’ for prolonged periods
● Excessive fear or worrying
● Visible shifts in personality
● Change in eating habits and or, sleeping habits
● Extreme mood swings
● Feelings of frustration, anger and irritability
● Constant fatigue or ‘feeling low’
● Trouble in focusing or concentrating
● Confusion or indecisiveness
● Feelings of unworthiness, uselessness or guilt
● Avoidance of social gatherings
● Suicidal thoughts (in this case contact emergency services immediately)
Sometimes children can exhibit symptoms that may require an evaluation for any underlying mental disorder, observe their behaviour for symptoms like;
● Frequent tantrums
● Hostile, aggressive, or disruptive behaviours
● Complaining of headaches/stomach aches without any medical condition
● Avoiding going to school
● Fearful behaviour or inexplicable worrying
What can a Mental Health Screening detect?
Undergoing a mental health screening can help in the early detection of a mental disorder, allowing you to plan your treatment proactively. According to the U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, half of the American population will be diagnosed with a mental health disorder at some point in their lifetime. A good healthcare provider like Ohio Psychiatric Services in Hillard and Lancaster in Ohio, can help you detect the symptoms of a mental disorder and plan your treatment effectively. A mental health screening can help your healthcare provider detect symptoms for:
- Mood disorders like depression, bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
- Anxiety disorders including panic, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a common disorder faced by children that can continue through adulthood
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Personality disorders
- Substance use disorder, including alcohol and drug addiction
- Psychotic disorders like schizophrenia
What causes Anxiety?
Like most mental health conditions it is difficult to ascertain the exact cause of an anxiety disorder. Common causes can be a combination of genetic, environmental, psychological and developmental factors surrounding a person.
- Chemical imbalances: Several neurotransmitters and hormones like serotonin, and dopamine, play a role in anxiety. Imbalances in these chemicals can contribute to anxiety disorder.
- Brain changes: The Amygdala, a part of our brain plays an important role in managing fear and anxiety. According to studies, people with anxiety disorders show increased activity in the amygdala in response to anxiety cues.
- Genetic Factors: Anxiety sometimes runs in biological families. One may be at an increased risk of developing anxiety if they have a biological parent or sibling with an anxiety disorder.
- Environmental factors: Severe or long-lasting stress can change the balance of neurotransmitters that control our moods. Experiencing a traumatic event also seems to trigger anxiety disorders.
What does a Mental Health Screening involve?
A mental health screening is the first step to understand if you have any symptoms of a mental health disorder. Book your consultation at Ohio Psychiatric Services for an initial evaluation. The evaluation is an assessment of your mental, and social functioning, based on the current symptoms, to make a diagnosis.
Your healthcare provider will ask you questions about your mood, how you are feeling, your sleep patterns, your appetite, and your general lifestyle. You might be asked to fill out a detailed questionnaire detailing these aspects of your life. It is always advisable to answer the questions honestly to help your doctor make a correct diagnosis.
The healthcare provider might also ask you to undergo a physical exam and some blood tests. Although blood tests cannot detect any mental health disorders they might indicate a physical condition, like a hormonal imbalance due to Thyroid or Polycystic ovarian disease (PCOS/PCOD) that could be the cause of a mental health condition.
In the case of screening teenagers or children, the healthcare provider might want to gauge their abilities and activity levels as per their age.
Are there any risks involved in Mental Health Screening?
There is no risk involved during a mental health screening process. It usually involves filling out a questionnaire about the symptoms you are experiencing along with a physical exam or blood tests in a few cases.
In case you are uncomfortable or unable to visit a mental health service provider we also offer telehealth services that allow you to connect with an experienced professional via phone or video chat. At Ohio Psychiatric Services our goal is to help you live a physically and psychologically fulfilling life, a mental health screening can help you take the first step towards a happier tomorrow.
Summary
The first step towards seeking the right treatment for any disease is to look for early symptoms and get a diagnosis. Undergoing a mental health screening can help in the early detection of mental disorders like depression, anxiety, ADHD and more. There is no risk involved during a mental health screening process. Reach out to a mental health care provider now, like Ohio Psychiatric Services in Hillard and Lancaster in Ohio,if you are experiencing symptoms like excessive sadness or feeling ‘low’, excessive worrying, mood swings and changes in your appetite and sleep.