51. Mental state examination PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH IN USE FOR MEDICINE

PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH IN USE FOR MEDICINE

51. Mental state examination

A	Some symptoms of psychiatric disorders √ A delusion is a firmly held belief which is wrong but not open to argument. For example, a deluded patient may not accept that his psychiatrist is in fact a psychiatrist. √ Dementia is a significant mental disorientation due to physical changes in the brain. √ Disorientation is mental confusion about time, place or identity. √ Hallucinations are apparently normal perceptions which happen without the appropriate stimulus. Any of the senses can be involved but especially vision and hearing. √ Illusions are misinterpretations of real stimuli. √ Obsessional symptoms are stereotyped ideas or impulses which the patient cannot resist. They include obsessional thoughts and obsessional rituals.
B	Mood When describing a patient’s mood, it is better for doctors to use the patient’s own words rather than their own subjective description of the patient’s mood. Patients may say: Patients may also use the following adjectives to describe their condition: √ I get very confused about time. I can’t remember what day it is. √ People makes me angry. They’re so irritating. √ I’m too embarrassed by my appearance to go out. I stay at home. √ I get muddled when I’m shopping. I go out for milk and I come back with cheese.
C	Typical questions from a mental state examination √ Can you describe your mood at the moment? √ How are you sleeping? √ How long have you been feeling like this? √ Can you keep your mind on things? √ Do you take pleasure in anything? √ What do you feel the future holds for you? √ How are your energy levels? √ Have you ever felt that you don’t want to go on? √ What’s your appetite like? √ Have you ever thought of suicide? √ Have you noticed any change in your weight?

EXERCISES

51.1	Complete the sentences. Look at A above to help you. 1 The patient believes that people can see through walls. He’s suffering from a _________. 2 The patient sees her long-dead sisters in her garden. She’s suffering from _________. 3 The patient perceives tree branches as snakes. He’s experiencing an _________. 4 The patient washes her hands five time before every meal. Her behaviour is _________. 5 The patient thinks he nurse is her daughter. She’s _________. 6 A patient is confused about where she is. She is suffering from _________.
51.2	Complete the table with words from A above. Then complete the sentences below. 1 Patients in _______________ hospitals receive fewer get-well cards than others. 2 Impaired concentration is a characteristic symptom of _______________. 3 The potential risk of suicide should always be assessed in the severely _______________. 4 A _______________ person may be confused about who they are or where they are.
51.3	Write the doctor’s questions in the mental state examination. Look at C above to help you.

Answer key