Mental status examination
Mental Status Examination
The Mental Status Examination (MSE) is a crucial part of the clinical assessment process in psychiatric practice. It is a structured way of observing and describing a patient's psychological functioning at a given point in time, under the domains of appearance, attitude, behavior, mood, and affect, speech, thought process, thought content, perception, cognition, insight, and judgment.
Pronunciation
Mental Status Examination: /ˈmɛntəl ˈsteɪtəs ɪɡˈzæmɪˌneɪʃən/
Etymology
The term "Mental Status Examination" originates from the field of psychiatry in the 19th century. The word "mental" comes from the Latin mens meaning "mind", "status" from the Latin status meaning "condition", and "examination" from the Latin examinare meaning "to weigh or test".
Related Terms
Domains of Mental Status Examination
Appearance
Appearance refers to the physical aspect of the patient, including dress, grooming, and personal hygiene.
Attitude
Attitude refers to the patient's approach and responsiveness to the examination process and the examiner.
Behavior
Behavior includes the patient's actions during the examination, such as psychomotor activity and facial expressions.
Mood and Affect
Mood refers to the patient's predominant feeling state or emotional tone. Affect refers to the emotional expression observed by the examiner.
Speech
Speech includes the rate, volume, and fluency of the patient's speech, as well as any abnormalities.
Thought Process
Thought process refers to the rate, continuity, and coherence of the patient's thinking.
Thought Content
Thought content refers to the themes that occupy the patient's thoughts, including any abnormal beliefs or perceptions.
Perception
Perception refers to the patient's sensory awareness and interpretation of the environment.
Cognition
Cognition refers to the patient's level of consciousness, orientation, memory, concentration, and general knowledge.
Insight
Insight refers to the patient's awareness and understanding of their mental health condition.
Judgment
Judgment refers to the patient's ability to make sound decisions, understand the consequences of their actions, and solve problems.
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