When it comes to mental health, comprehensive and accurate diagnoses play a vital role in the stabilization process, no matter what condition you may be living with and the severity of your symptoms.

Whether you’re hoping to receive a diagnosis for a mental health issue that has been affecting your daily life, have questions on whether your condition is accurate, or simply hoping to learn more about the process of exactly how psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners diagnosis mental health illnesses and conditions in patients, we are here to clear the air and help you understand what it entails. 

First, what is a mental health diagnosis?

With nearly 1 in 5 Americans living with some form of a mental health condition, it is essential first to understand exactly what a diagnosis is. 

In simplest terms, just like other forms of medical diagnosis, a mental health diagnosis identifies a condition or illness determined by a thorough examination of symptoms. 

Diagnosis is often considered stage three in the treatment process, as for most health conditions, it involves patient observation and symptom review, interpretation, diagnosis, and treatment. 

How are mental health illnesses diagnosed? 

The most basic answer is that it depends on the patient.

Each psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner works in a very different manner. Medicine is very much an art. Everyone practices differently, but, in general, a diagnosis starts with an initial assessment which generally takes 60 to 90 minutes. 

During the initial assessment, we work on collecting background information and family or personal medical history, starting with infancy and childhood, and then going through high school and college years and working your way up to the present.

At Shannon Psychiatry,  after a detailed background history, we assess various psychiatric areas like mood, anxiety, PTSD,  trauma, eating disorders, psychosis, or substance use. After assessing various psychiatric areas, we get a general social and medical history. 

After data collection,  it’s a synthesis of that information, talking more with the patient and sometimes requesting additional collateral from family members or close personal contacts.

In general, the diagnosis process starts with a personal health information intake, assessing the major psychiatric areas, getting collateral information if needed, and finally coming up with a diagnosis.

It is important to note that a diagnosis just guides treatment. Sometimes it’s hard to put someone in a narrow diagnosis box because people don’t always fit into that box. Diagnoses can be on a spectrum and diagnosis allows us to guide patients in proper long-term care and treatment.

Common Mental Health Diagnoses 

Mental health disorders are medical conditions that affect your mood, thoughts, feelings, and behavior. They can range in severity from mild to severe and affect patients differently.

The most common mental health conditions include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Eating disorders
• Psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia 
• Mood disorders, such as bipolar

Many patients may experience symptoms consistent with multiple health disorders and could be diagnosed with more than one condition. Therefore, it is crucial to speak to a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner to receive a comprehensive and accurate diagnosis. 

Accurate Diagnosis When You Need It Most

If you believe you’re living with an undiagnosed mental health condition, the time to seek assessment and treatment is now. Don’t allow your symptoms to slip through the cracks or worsen over time. Instead, speak with an experienced psychiatric team who will provide you with a thorough diagnosis and long-term treatment plan for your unique health needs.