Mental Health Diagnoses and Assessments

These flashcards cover key concepts related to mental health diagnoses, assessments, and related terminology.

Anxiety

A feeling of fear, dread, and uneasiness often as a response to stress.

Depression

A persistent depressed mood or loss of interest that negatively affects daily functioning.

Schizophrenia

A mental health disorder characterized by delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking/speech, and abnormal behavior.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

A disorder involving obsessions (intrusive thoughts) that lead to compulsions (repetitive behaviors).

Bipolar Disorder

A mood disorder with episodes of depression and mania.

Dementia

A progressive decline in memory and cognition affecting daily life.

Types of Dementia

Includes Alzheimer's (most common), Vascular, and Lewy Body dementia.

Delirium

Acute confusion with impaired awareness and attention.

Lethargy

Decreased alertness and energy.

Obtunded

Reduced alertness with slow response.

Stupor

A state where a person responds only to painful stimuli.

Coma

No response to stimuli; unconscious state.

High Suicide Risk

Considered high when there is a specific plan within 24–48 hours and access to lethal means.

Common Suicide Warning Signs

Prior attempts, hopelessness, depression, access to firearms, giving away possessions, saying goodbye.

ABCT

A mental health assessment acronym standing for Appearance, Behavior, Cognition, Thought process.

Assessment of Appearance

Involves checking hygiene, dress, posture, and grooming.

Assessment of Behavior

Looks at mood, affect, cooperation, and body language.

Cognition

The ability to think, understand, and process information.

Thought Process Evaluation

Assessment of logical, organized thinking vs disorganized thinking.

4 Unrelated Words Test

A test that assesses short-term memory and recall at intervals (3–5, 10, 30 minutes).

PHQ-2

An initial depression screening tool; positive if symptoms occur several days or more.

PHQ-9

A follow-up tool to assess the severity of depression.

MMSE

A test that assesses cognition through 11 questions, including orientation and recall.

Limitations of MMSE

Not definitive; influenced by education and literacy.

Mini-Cog

A quick test assessing executive function and early dementia.

Domestic Violence

Physical, emotional, sexual, or psychological abuse within relationships.

Key Indicator of Domestic Violence

Bruises in different healing stages or unusual locations.

Elder Abuse

Harm or neglect by a caregiver, including withholding care or physical harm.

Mandatory Reporters

Healthcare workers, teachers, and social workers required to report abuse.

Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

Continued use of substances despite negative consequences.

Substance Use Prevalence Stats

14.5% overall; alcohol 10.2%, illicit drugs 6.6%.

TWEAK Screening

An alcohol screening tool assessing Tolerance, Worry, Eye-opener, Amnesia, Kut down.

Laboratory Test for Alcohol Use

Phosphatidylethanol (PEth) detects alcohol consumption.

Schizophrenia Likely Symptoms

Patient reports hearing voices.

Priority Assessment for Suicidal Patient

Assess for suicide risk immediately if a patient gives away belongings and says goodbye.

Confused Elderly Likely Condition

Likely experiencing delirium.

Gradual Memory Loss Condition

Likely experiencing dementia.