1: Mental State Exam

Question 1

What is the MSE (mental state exam)?

Answer 1

Used instead of a physical exam in psychiatry.

Used as part of the physical exam in primary care, etc.

Used in Physical Exam..or part of diagnostic interview (CC, PMI, PMH, FH, SH, ROS).

Question 2

Describe how the MSE exam can be used.

Answer 2

• The full MSE exists & it is somewhere between neuro and cognitive exams.
• It can be used in its entirety or use the parts that are relevant to describe your patient’s mental state of being during the physical examination or more typically your interview
• MSE is not to be confused with the Folstein MMSE which is a 30 point scale/exam to test for memory loss associated with dementia

Question 3

What are the items on the formal MSE?

Answer 3

See pg. 8