A Psychiatrist Answers Mental Health Evaluation and Diagnosis FAQs

Someone who has a mental health issue often benefits from going to a psychiatrist. Mental health disorders are common, and they refer to changes in one's emotional response, behavior, or thinking that result in trouble functioning in certain situations such as work or in social settings. To diagnose a mental health disorder, a psychiatrist performs a thorough evaluation to determine exactly what is going on and what the most effective treatment may be.

Frequently asked questions

If you suspect you or a loved one may have a mental health disorder, you may have many questions. The following are some common ones to help you learn more.

What are common mental health issues?

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 20% of adults in the United States have some type of mental health disorder. There are six main categories that these disorders fall under, and they include:

• Eating disorders
• Anxiety disorders
• Personality disorders
• Mood disorders
• Psychotic disorders
• Trauma-related disorders

Some common disorders are depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anorexia, social phobia, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

How does a psychiatrist help with mental health disorders?

Psychiatry is a specialty in medicine in which a medical doctor obtains extra education and training in the mental health field. A psychiatrist can help in a number of ways when someone presents with a mental health disorder. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication such as antidepressants, stimulants, and mood stabilizers. Other potential treatments may include talk therapy, brain stimulation therapies, and light therapies.

Every individual is different. Two people who have the same disorder may be treated in different ways based on a variety of factors, and a psychiatrist will figure out the proper treatment plan during the evaluation and diagnosis process.

How are mental health disorders diagnosed?

Mental health disorders can be caused by a number of things, so a psychiatrist will use a variety of methods to diagnose the issue. One is a physical exam, as some medical issues can result in mental health symptoms. Another diagnosis tool is lab tests, which may check hormone levels or screen for drugs or alcohol in the system. Another part of the diagnosis is an evaluation, in which the patient will be asked a variety of questions.

What occurs during a mental health evaluation?

An initial visit usually starts with an interview, in which the psychiatrist will ask the patient about their symptoms and how they are affecting different aspects of life. There will be questions about life and medical history to see if the past is connected to what the patient is currently experiencing.

The answers to these questions will help the psychiatrist determine what additional tests are needed to make an accurate diagnosis. Determining the diagnosis can take some time, as it is not uncommon for someone to have more than one disorder.