17/01/2025
A mental status examination (MSE) is a core part of a psychiatric assessment that often includes psychological testing. The MSE is a structured way to evaluate a patient's mental state. Psychological testing can help identify the nature and extent of a patient's mental health issues.
Mental status examination (MSE)
A structured way to evaluate a patient's mental state
Includes observation and questions about a patient's appearance, speech, mood, thought process, and more
Can include standardized screening questionnaires
Can help identify the most important symptoms and provide a baseline for measuring response to treatment
Psychological testing
A process that helps psychologists measure and observe a patient's behavior
Can include norm-referenced tests, such as questionnaires and checklists, or informal tests and surveys
Can help arrive at a diagnosis, guide treatment, and ensure that the patient receives treatment that's tailored to their individual needs
Examples of psychological tests
MMPI-2
A 567-question test that measures a person's psychological wellbeing
Rorschach test
A projective test that's thought to reveal hidden aspects of a person's personality
Thematic apperception test
A projective test that's thought to reveal hidden aspects of a person's personality
Draw-A-Person test
A projective test that's thought to reveal hidden aspects of a person's personality
