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The process of estimating psychological and behavioral function by observing
the patient, eliciting his or her self-description, and using formal
questioning. Included in the examination are 1) evaluation and assessment
of any psychiatric condition present, including provisional diagnosis and
prognosis, determination of degree of impairment, suitability for treatment, and
indications for particular types of therapeutic intervention; 2) formulation of
the personality structure of the subject, which may suggest the historical and
developmental antecedents of whatever psychiatric condition exists; and 3)
estimation of the subject's ability and willingness to participate appropriately
in treatment. The mental status is reported in a series of narrative
statements describing such things as affect, speech, thought content,
perception, and cognitive functions. The mental status examination is part
of the general examination of all patients, although it may be markedly
abbreviated in the absence of psychopathology.
Source: Edgerton, Jane E. 1994. American Psychiatric Glossary, 7th Edition. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Press
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