Mental status examination

Physicians usually take note of what they observer when they visit a patient. It is no different when they interview a patient with suspected psychological problem. They write down their observations and impressions. These notes are not only for keeping record for future reference but also an important diagnostic tools in psychiatry.

These areas are normally covered in such a note:

General description

Mood and affect

Speech

Perceptual disturbance

Thought

Sensorium and cognition

Impulse control

Judgment and insight

Reliability