Over 22% of Americans out there are suffering from some type of mental illness and do not even know it. The reason that many people do not know that they are suffering from a mental illness is because mental illnesses unlike physical illnesses can be hard to diagnosis. Very rarely are there a set of symptoms that can be attributed to mental illnesses and in most cases those symptoms can often be brushed aside as certain types of feelings and emotions. With all the differences in diagnosing mental illnesses how exactly do most doctors go about diagnosing a mental illness.
Here is a look at the common steps that doctors take to diagnosis a mental illness.
Ask Questions. The first step to diagnosing a mental illness is to talk to your doctor. Your doctor will ask you various questions about what you are feeling, when you feel it and what might be going on with you. A doctor may or may not run a series of physical tests just to ensure that there is nothing else causing these feelings if not you are then referred to the next step.
Head to a Psychiatrist or Psychologist. Psychiatrists and psychologists are trained individuals who are able to assess your symptoms, feelings and emotions. Sometimes it might take several interviews with one of these individuals to help them understand what you are feeling and experiencing and get an accurate diagnosis. The diagnosis is usually based off of observations and a list of symptoms that are provided by the patient.
A Course of Treatment. After gaining a diagnosis from a psychiatrist or psychologist, you will be able to work with them and your health care provider to be able to come up with a course of treatment. This can include therapy, medications or other types of treatment that are out there for mental illnesses.