When it comes to our mental health, it is important to know that help is available. There are multiple steps involved in getting a diagnosis for a mental illness. It can be helpful to familiarize yourself with these steps, in case you or someone you love ever experiences mental health challenges.
Identifying signs and symptoms
The first step in getting a mental health disorder diagnosis is to recognize the signs and symptoms. Are you often sad, worried, or having trouble concentrating? Everyone has ups and downs when it comes to their moods. But if these feelings are persistent and troublesome, it could mean that something is not quite right.1
Symptoms vary depending on the type of mental illness, so pay attention to any changes you are having. These could relate to your sleep patterns, eating habits, and how you interact with others.1
Medical exam and health history
If you are noticing persistent feelings of sadness, worry, or other changes to your mood, sleep, and energy levels, the first step is to visit your doctor. They will gather information to first rule out any other health issues or medical conditions.2,3
During a physical exam, they will check your overall health. This means checking your:2,3
- Abdomen
- Blood pressure
- Eyes and ears
- Heart and lungs
- Height and weight
- Temperature
- Any areas of complaint you may have
They also will ask you about:2,3
- Your family's health history
- Whether you have a family history of mental illness
- Any medical conditions you currently have or have had in the past
- Any medicines you are currently taking, including over-the-counter (OTC) drugs
Lab tests and blood work
Sometimes, blood tests or other lab tests might help your doctor rule out physical health problems that could be linked to your mental health. Conditions like thyroid issues or vitamin deficiencies can sometimes affect how we feel emotionally. These tests can help make sure your body is working well overall.4
Mental health evaluation
Depending on your symptoms and physical and medical history, your doctor may suggest a mental health evaluation. In this evaluation, the doctor or a mental health professional will ask you questions about your life and experiences.3,5
They will want to know about your feelings and thoughts, and any changes you have noticed in your behavior. Think of this as a safe space to talk openly about your emotions. Remember, these questions help the expert understand you better so they can offer the right support for your mental health. This information gives them a fuller picture of your life and helps them make the right diagnosis.3,5
Diagnostic criteria and the DSM-5
Doctors and mental health professionals use a tool called the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Illnesses (DSM-5) to help diagnose mental health disorders. The DSM-5 is a reference book that lists different types of mental health conditions along with their symptoms.6
After assessing your symptoms, background, and health information, mental health experts can use the DSM-5 to pinpoint whether you might have a specific disorder. This helps them understand your needs better.6
Additional assessments
Depending on your situation, you might be asked to take special tests or questionnaires. These tests are not like school tests – there are no right or wrong answers. Just make sure you answer openly and honestly. These questions help experts understand your feelings and thoughts better.5
These tests and questionnaires often are used to help diagnose children. The questions will be tailored to their specific age and abilities.5
Creating a treatment plan
Once they have made a diagnosis, your doctor or mental health team can work with you to create a treatment plan. The goal is to help you feel better and learn skills to cope with your emotions. This might include 1 or a combination of the following:3
- Psychotherapy or counseling
- Medicine
- Lifestyle changes
- Complementary and integrative health
Remember, it is a good thing to ask for help when you are not feeling your best mentally. Just like you would visit a doctor when you have the flu, seeking help for your mental health is important.3