Mental status examination
The mental status examination systematically describes observable and reported psychological functioning at the time of assessment; findings are interpreted alongside history and context.
Open interactive lesson & self-check ↗Mental status examination — learning map
Original conceptual SVG · scalableOriginal schematic relationship map for this topic; relationships are organized for study, not intended as an anatomical depiction or a diagnostic algorithm.
Appearance and behavior
Record level of engagement, speech pattern, psychomotor activity and observable affect without inferring motive from appearance alone.
Mood and thought
Mood is the patient’s sustained reported emotional state; affect is observed expression. Thought form, content and perceptual experiences are assessed through respectful interviewing.
Cognition and insight
Orientation, attention, memory, judgment and insight are evaluated using appropriate language, culture and sensory accommodations.
Risk and longitudinal view
Assess relevant self-harm or harm-related concerns and compare presentation with baseline, medical causes, substances and current circumstances.
Reference and next reading
Explore the original curriculum and publisher-hosted resources for full-depth reading; this note is an original schematic introduction, not an exhaustive chapter.