Mental Status Exam

Question 1

Mental Status Exam:

Answer 1

• Used to evaluate the client’s current mental functioning
• Information can be gathered informally over the course of an interview/assessment or formally through direct questions.

Question 2

Elements of the Mental Status Exam:

Answer 2

Abstract Reasoning: Ask the client to interpret a proverb or identify a theme between 3 or 4 objects.

Appearance: How does the client look? Well dressed with attention to detail? Well groomed? Age appropriate?

Attitude: Is the client cooperative? Resistant? Fearful?

Behavior: What is the client’s activity level? Are there tics or stereotyped movements? How alert is the client? What are the client’s facial expressions? Do they match the content discussed?

Mood/Affect: What is the client’s prevailing mood? Is there observable mood lability? Does the client show a range of affect? Is it appropriate to the content discussed?

Speech: Is the client understandable? Are there any speech abnormalities (e.g., stuttering)? Is the client’s speech pressured?

Thought Process: Is the client’s thought process circumstantial? Tangential? Is there evidence of flight of ideas? Is there poverty of thought? Perseverations?

Thought Content: Does the client exhibit delusions? Phobias? Obsessions? Is the client preoccupied? Does the client have suicidal thought? Thoughts of harming others?

Perceptions: Is the client experiencing hallucinations or illusions?

Cognition: Is the client alert and oriented? Can the client demonstrate attention and concentration? Is the client’s memory (short- and long-term) intact?

Insight: Does the client demonstrate understanding of his or her own symptoms or situation?

Judgment: Does the client demonstrate the ability to make sound, responsible decisions?

Question 3

Mini Mental Status Exam (MMSE):

Answer 3

The MMSE is a brief 30-point questionnaire that is used to test for cognitive impairment. It is often used to identify possible dementia and then to track changes in cognitive functioning over time, particularly in clients with Alzheimer’s dementia.

• A score below 24 would indicate abnormal cognitive functioning.
• A score below 21 indicates increased odds of dementia.
• A score between 24-30 indicates no cognitive impairment.
• A score between 18-23 indicates mild cognitive impairment.
• A score between 1-17 indicates severe cognitive impairment.