Mental State Assessment: Understanding Emotional and Cognitive Functioning

HLT301, Semester 1, 2019
Assessment Task 3 Workbook
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HLT301 Assessment Task 2: Workbook 40%
1. Define a mental state assessment and describe why it is a useful tool in
understanding a person’s emotional and cognitive functioning (100 words)
Mental state assessment examination refers to a structured methodology of
describing an individual psychological state under the respective domains, attitude,
mood behavior, speech, thought process, insight, perception and content process. It is
essential for obtaining a cross-sectional of the patient mental state. This data
obtained from an individual is useful for clinical assessments and making appropriate
diagnosis and formulation in line with the coherent treatment regime. Mental state
assessment offers a systematic view of psychiatric assessment on the behavior of the
patient so as to assess symptoms and signs of disorders which are crucial in
identifying harm to self and others (Trzepacz et al., 2015).
/6 marks
2. Describe Alison's appearance and behavior (100 words)
Alison appearance in the assessment reveals low mood state, lack of motivation, poor
concentration and reduced general interests even on self. The patient has low self-
esteem which has dampened her moods. There is a low level of activity and reduced
arousal and observation of high contact. There is also an occurrence of disturbed
mood and sleep behavior and she looks disturbed revealing underlying issues
affecting her. Further, she experiences a lack of concentration and does not seem to
enjoy activities which she liked before. The overall state of the patient depicts a loss
of interests and an aloof person lacking interests in generally all aspects surrounding
her.

/5 marks
3. Differentiate between mood and effect, and then describe affect as it relates to
Alison. (100 words)
Mood and effect have been interchangeably in mental assessment; mood describes
the patient own words and the overall neutral, euphoric, anxious and apathetic
natures. Mood state of Alison reflects sustained emotion which occurs for a prolonged
duration of times and has effects on altering the induced perception of their
environment. Affect on the other hand illustrates expression and observation of
emotion such as the facial expression and the general demeanor of an individual
(Patel et al., 2015). Affect illustrate what can be observed from the patient. The
patient is sad and aloof and lacks cheerfulness. The effect is restricted as the patient is
not free to engage in the conversation freely.
/3 marks
4. Discuss Alison’s speech. (50 words)
Speech assessment is used to illustrate the assessment of expression. Patient Alison
speech signifies a lowered motion with minimal expression of self. There is a low
volume of speech with slurred rhythm. The patient vocal is closed and does not come
out clearly signifying lack of closeness and low mood to open up to the counselor.
/3 marks
5. What physiological signs or symptoms associated with a depressive episode can you
identify in the interview with Alison? (100 words)
Patient Alison elicits signs of depression and immense reduction on pleasure and interest
activities which she previously enjoyed. Further sleep assessment depicts signs of insomnia,
failure to get adequate sleep is an illustration of insomnia. Moreover, the speech exhibited

6. Dr. Taylor assesses Alison's thought. Describe how you think she might describe and
document her findings? (100 words)
/4 marks
The assessment of the patient reveals prolong depressive state with various clinical
symptoms as displayed from the clinical observation. The patient experiences low mood
reduced energy levels, lack of motivation, poor concentration, limited enjoyment and lower
level of the self-care process. The past history of the patient reveals underlying problems
being faced by the patient which is affecting her state. The patient needs urgent attention
and counseling and coping strategy to counter her underlying factors which are affecting
her state.
The patient suffers from major depression affecting her normal functioning. The patient
needs antidepressant management to offer relaxation in order to recover the state of
activeness.
7. Consider Alison’s disclosure that she overdosed on Paracetamol tablets and alcohol 4
years earlier. Why is this information vitally important to explore in the context of a mental
state assessment? Additionally, what information is important to collect in Alison’s
presentation today? (150 words)
/4 marks
Mental health is a crucial aspect in determining and establishing a complete state of health
and essential in collective and productive health. Association of mental health and
substance abuse has been shown to be significant. Substances abuse is defined as hazardous
use of psychoactive drugs which include alcohol and drugs. Knowledge of the patient abuse
of paracetamol and alcohol is crucial as this might have triggered these depressive
symptoms (Conway et al., 2016).
The co-occurring disorder on mental health state and drug abuse is essential as it
exemplifies its own unique symptoms which affect the normal functioning and lead to