MENTAL STATUS EXAMINATION (MSE)

ASSESSMENT LAB

MSE

Semi-structured clinical interview

To evaluate a person's current psychological functioning

MSE is to?

Observations + Key questions related to the presenting problem (item #7)

MSE focuses on

Short MSE

5 sentences to 2 paragraphs (practice)

Open full MSE

Required for final case report

Purpose of MSE

• Diagnose or screen for mental health concerns

• Guide treatment planning

• Track changes in a client's mental state

Appearance & Behavior

Grooming, posture, motor activity, mannerisms

Speech

Rate, clarity, coherence

Mood & Affect

Reported feelings vs. observed emotional tone

Thought process & Content

Logic, organization, delusions, obsessions

Perception

Hallucinations, illusions, perceptual disturbances.

Orientation

Time,  place, person — ask subtly (e.g., “What day is it today?”).

Memory & Abstraction

Recent events, simple proverbs (“Don’t cry over spilled milk”)

Cognition

Attention, reasoning, intellectual impression (informal)

Insight & Judgement

Awareness of cognition, decision-making ability

Strengths & Recreation

Coping skills, hobbies, motivators