If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Verywell / Catherine Song
Hypothyroidism, for example, may mimic symptoms of depression.
When this is the case, treating the thyroid condition may help someone feel better emotionally.
Personal History
Your doctor may also ask you questions about your personal history.
Mental Health Screening
Your doctor may also conduct a mental health evaluation.
This will involve asking questions about your feelings, behaviors, and thoughts.
PCPs are qualified to diagnose mental illnesses, likemajor depressionandgeneralized anxiety disorder.
Sometimes, they prescribe medication to treat mental illness.
Before starting treatment, the mental health professional who is making a diagnosis will interview you.
Questions often focus on your current symptoms, your history of symptoms, and difficulties with day-to-day functioning.
Family members may be interviewed as well.
Your mental health professional will also observe you in the office.
Some symptoms may be obvious in the interview, such as low energy or hyperactivity.
Psychological Tests
There may be times when psychological testing is necessary.
Psychological tests are assessment tools that are administered by psychologists to get to identify symptoms and their severity.
Sometimes, testing is needed to help gain clarity about a possible diagnosis.
Other tests may help identify a person’sIQor any learning disabilities.
Psychological tests can also diagnose brain injuries and dementia.
Psychological tests may be administered via a computer, or they may be written or given orally.
A few simple questions can help determine if someone engages in problematic drinking, for example.
There is also a screening tool for children.
The Mental Health America screening tools take only a couple of minutes to complete and youll get instant results.
Youll be given a score and advice on how you might want to proceed.
Or take an online screening tool test to learn more about your symptoms.
If you do have a mental disorder, it is important to get appropriate treatment.
Talk to your doctor for clinical evaluation and formal diagnosis.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid).
National Alliance on Mental Illness.Understanding Your Diagnosis.
