How to address Mental Health Problems?

Mental health problems are a common reality in clinical practice. Beyond the specific diagnostic labels, we have to consider that each person we care for has certain conditions and particularities. specific conditions that require a focus, approach and treatment typical of a specialized center that has professionals who are experts in the subject.

It is proven that mental disorders affect several spheres that encompass the person themselves: feelings, thoughts, behaviors and social environment. Likewise, their state of mind and their ability to function in daily life is compromised. We talk about anxiety, depression, personality problems, bipolar disorder or phobias; but also disorders related to eating or addictions, both with or without substances, such as addictions to social networks.

Mental health problems: causes and symptoms

There is no single cause that can trigger mental illness, since it is subject to different conditions and several factors can contribute to suffering from it. Disorders that can affect mental health can be individual, family, community and structural.

. On some occasions, the symptoms can be confused with those of a person who does not suffer from any disorder, but does suffer from some alteration. For this reason, it is essential that a specialized professional intervenes to make a diagnosis. It is necessary to help identify the type of disorder and, subsequently, establish a treatment appropriate.

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Tools to assess mental health problems

To evaluate and diagnose a mental health problem, the clinical interview is a fundamental tool. Nevertheless, is not the only one. In certain cases, complementary examinations may be necessary, such as psychological tests, especially psychometric and projective, since they play a prominent role as diagnostic tools and offer essential information about the person that we treat.

The patient's responses to questions related to his or her thoughts, feelings, and behavior are especially helpful. because they help the professional in this initial assessment. In addition, neuropsychological examination tests are also very useful to determine and specify cadres in this area and, in this way, be able to design rehabilitation and stimulation programs, among others.

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Common challenges in differential diagnosis

Differential diagnosis is an issue that presents significant challenges. It is important to distinguish the disease from other behaviors that are not pathological and may have similarities and cause confusion. In the clinical approach, it is key to carry out an evaluation based on the structure and fundamental functioning of the person, beyond mere diagnostic labels. From this evaluation, We identify the syndromic aspects and determine the capabilities, potentialities and possible deficits or dysfunctions of the patient., in order to design an individualized treatment.

Multidisciplinary perspective in mental health

In order to understand the diversity of situations posed by the diagnosis and treatment of mental health problems, it is important to carry out the intervention from a multidisciplinary perspective, where All professionals can get involved in the process and give their contribution from different medical perspectives: psychiatry, psychology, social educators and a long and necessary etcetera. In this sense, networking between different mental health professionals is essential to ensure the user's recovery success. On the other hand, the adaptation of therapeutic interventions to different age groups is essential to provide comprehensive and quality care.

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Trends in mental health treatment

The treatment of mental health problems is based on interventions proven in terms of efficiency and effectiveness. However, each treatment and intervention plan is designed individually, taking into account includes a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's potentialities and deficits in all areas relevant. In this way, the approach is eclectic and always adapts to the specific needs of each person.

Considerations when treating patients with mental health problems

Applying universal ethical considerations rigorously is crucial in the treatment of people suffering from a mental health problem. This is even more essential in those patients whose limited cognitive and volitional abilities make it difficult to grant informed consent. In these cases, Mental health professionals and judicial bodies must preserve the protection of the patient when the patient cannot do so on his or her own..

The approach at Mentalia Salud focuses on both crisis interventions and chronic problems, regardless of the length of the user's stay. What is intended is to be able to carry out an effective intervention that eliminates or alleviates the problem and can return to its social and community environment, as well as to its external reference device. In conclusion, at Mentalia Salud, we address mental health disorders and problems from a professional, ethical, transparent and person-centered approach.