MENTAL STATUS ASSESSMENT TOOL

Components:

• ·         General appearance
• ·         Behaviour/Activity
• ·         Speech and language
• ·         Mood and affect
• ·         Thought process and content
• ·         Perceptual disturbances
• ·         Memory/cognitive
• ·         Judgement and insight

Each component must be approached in a methodical manner so that a thorough evaluation of the client can be done from a mood, thought, appearance, insight, judgement, and overall perspective. It is important to document all these findings even though this record represents one point in time. It is helpful over time to see any patterns (regression/improvement) and to gain an understanding of any changes that would trigger a need to re-evaluate the client or suggest a decline in functioning.