Probably the most common question from someone who suspects he, she or a loved one has a mental illness is, "What is diagnosis like?"
The fear of the unknown can be a big blockade for many, afraid that they'll have to go through a grueling, embarrassing process to learn what is wrong and what can be done for it.
With television and movies often depicting the mentally ill as raving nutcases or murderous fiends and the scary institutions and (supposed) treatments depicted, it's no wonder many are terrified of being found "mentally ill."
The truth is, though, it's not as bad as Hollywood says, and only the truly violent are locked away anymore.
Here is the basic process for diagnosis and beginning treatment for mental illnesses. It's an easy, straight-forward process that works the same way any other medical diagnosis is made - only there are generally a lot fewer needles and tongue depressors involved.
Step 1: Pre-diagnosis
Most patients who are first introduced to the possibility of a mental illness being a cause of their symptoms learn this through a regular healthcare provider, such as a family doctor or referred physician. The idea and even a general guess as to what the mental illness could be will be given by the doctor, neurosurgeon or other specialist.
While the symptoms involved could be any of many hundreds, when physical medical issues are understood to not be the root cause of those symptoms - or, in some cases, when the treatments for physical medical issues could cause emotional stress - a psychiatric check may be called for.
This will usually lead to a referral or recommendation for a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Step 2: Initial Consultation
The psychologist or psychiatrist is likely a generalist - sort of the family doctor of psych issues. For the most part, a psychiatrist or psychologist can likely give a pretty firm diagnosis and set up treatment options for the patient. Sometimes, the patient is referred to a more specialized mental health provider, such as a counselor, alternative therapy practitioner or neurosurgeon. Most of the time, however, the psychiatrist will be the main mental health provider.
The consultation may last half an hour or more and will mainly involve discussion of your symptoms, questions about your general welfare and lifestyle, some historical context regarding your life, and so forth. Very little "poking and prodding" of the physical sense takes place - nearly everything will be conversational.
Occasionally, a few basic tests may be requested. This could be cognitive (mental tests mostly to judge brain "elasticity" or how well the mind reacts and recovers), blood tests (many mental illnesses are believed to be genetic), sleep tests, etc.
This first visit will usually result in a preliminary diagnosis that will be further narrowed down with testing and early therapy.
Step 3: Psychotherapy and Medication
Once the psychiatrist feels comfortable with the diagnosis, he or she will likely recommend psychotherapy (or counseling) and perhaps a medication. Be sure to discuss these carefully with your provider, and if only medication is offered, ask why therapy is not also included. Studies show that for most mental illnesses, the two combined are far more effective than just meds alone.
Often, the diagnosis is relatively simple and the illness found is already well-understood and easily treated.
For the vast majority of patients diagnosed with mental illnesses, once the process begins, the problem seems far smaller than it did before and treatment is much less onerous than expected.
Be positive. You're not alone.
