mental status examination

This subsection of a complete medical physical examination may be the only real examination a psychiatrist performs routinely and may be performed by psychologists and other professionals. The level of formality may differ. Usually the following observable aspects of mental and emotional functioning are noted, especially if psychopathology is found.

• Presentation
• Appearance
• Activity
• Attitude toward examiner/examination
• Attention
• Orientation
• Concentration
• Memory
• Speech
• Thought content and process
• Mood
• Affect
• Perception
• Intelligence
• Insight
• Judgment