Mental Status Tests: Overview

Mental status tests are done to test individual’s cognitive function. It will examine your appearance, memory, language & judgement skills.

Reasons for Testing

Mental tests can be done to diagnose mental illness affecting the brain. It can help diagnose:

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Attention deficit disorder(ADD)
• Bipolar disorder
• Dementia
• Head trauma
• Personality disorders
• Intellectual disability
• Schizophrenia
• Stroke

 How the Test is Performed

A doctor can give you a questionnaire.  It can be done home, office, hospitals etc. The following may be tested:

1. APPEARANCE

Your physical appearance can be checked: Age, clothing, Gender, Grooming, Height, Weight, Expressions, Posture etc.

2. ATTITUDE

It check s is your attitude Friendly or hostile, Cooperative or uncertain.

3. ORIENTATION

The provider will ask questions such as:

• What is your name?
• How old are you?
• Where do you work?
• Where do you live?
• What day and time is it?
• What season is it?

   4. ATTENTION SPAN

It will check:

• Ability to complete a thought
• Ability to think and problem solve
• Whether you are easily distracted