How are mental health conditions diagnosed?

A mental health condition may be diagnosed by a psychiatrist, psychologist, clinical social worker or other mental health professional. A primary healthcare professional also may be involved in diagnosis. Or a primary care professional may suggest a referral to a mental health professional.

A diagnosis may be based on:

• A medical history of physical illness or mental health conditions in you or in your family.
• A physical exam.
• Questions about your current concerns or why you're seeking help.
• Questions about how recent events or changes in your life have affected how you think, feel or behave. Examples of those events can include trauma, death of someone you care about, relationship changes or loss of a job.
• Questionnaires or other tests that ask for your feedback on how you think, feel or behave in certain situations.
• Questions about past and current alcohol and drug use.
• A history of trauma, abuse, family crises or other big life events.
• Questions about past or current thoughts about violence against yourself or others.
• Questionnaires or interviews completed by someone who knows you well, such as a family member or close friend.