In 2022, the National Institute of Mental Health estimated that over one-fifth of Americans ages 18 and older — approximately 23% — live with a mental illness. These disorders influence not only a person’s emotional well-being, but also their ability to perform day-to-day...
Healthcare providers including primary care providers often encounter patients struggling with various mental health conditions. One frequently misunderstood disorder is Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). Understanding what BDD is and how it manifests is crucial for providing...
When it comes to measuring health, many people may think of a thermometer or blood test. After all, observation can be a powerful way to uncover information from patients. But what about seeking information from patients themselves? Self-reported data, such as perceptions of...
Free mental health and personality quizzes are widely available on web pages and social media. While some are whimsical (think “Which Greek God Are You?”), others feign seriousness. Though these usually lighthearted quizzes may be popular, they are clinically worthless, and most...
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) indicates that approximately 75% of lifetime mental health conditions begin by age 24. From the time symptoms appear until that individual is supported with appropriate interventions, the average gap in care is about 11 years in...
Patient health questionnaires have become a standard mental health assessment tool administered by providers to patients, particularly in care settings that lack sufficient psychiatric care resources. Since patient health questionnaires are so prevalent in assessing mental...
Behavioral health assessments are one way for clinicians to obtain a more complete picture of a person’s behavioral health and functioning. These assessments, different from mental health screenings, usually consist of a combination of tools that, when considered together, can...
The prevalence of dangerous substance use has increased significantly in recent years, with the COVID-19 pandemic further accelerating usage. Key findings in the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services'...
Patient management in mental health is often quite challenging. While clinicians in other areas of medicine have endless objective data points, from lab results to vital signs, mental health providers must rely on mental health screening tools to objectively manage their...
Mental health screening is an important initial step in the assessment and treatment of behavioral health issues. It differs from assessment, diagnosis and symptom monitoring in important ways. Let's examine the concept of mental health screening, the ways it differs, and how...
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