2. MSE & Initial Interview

Question 1

What is a mental status exam and what is the goal?

Answer 1

• Structured way to observe a person’s current state of mind

- Goal is to identify signs and symptoms of mental illness

Question 2

What are the 7 domains considered for conducting a MSE?

Answer 2

1. Appearance
2. Behaviour
3. Speech & language
4. Mood & affect
5. Thought content
6. Cognition
7. Insight & judgment

Question 3

What do you observe in terms of cognition during a MSE?

Answer 3

Consciousness- alertness, attention, memory, abstract thinking (being able to draw similarities/link things together etc.)

Question 4

What are the aims for an initial interview with a client?

Answer 4

• Understand client’s perception of problem/s
• Gather information on their current difficulties
• Assess general level of functioning
• Conduct MSE
• Establish rapport

Question 5

What approach is taken during an initial interview? (structured, unstructured etc.)

Answer 5

• Moderately structured approach. Gives priority to what client wants to discuss but also gives guiding questions to cover necessary content and the space to respond

Question 6

What is involved in the opening phase of an initial interview?

Answer 6

• Explain role and purpose of session

- Start with an open-ended question “What brought you here today?”

Question 7

What is involved in the middle phase of an initial interview?

Answer 7

• Incorporate what you have observed/sensed into dialogue then share your initial observations (not interpretations)
• Ask for: description of self, significant others and get clarification on current difficulties

Question 8

What is involved in the final phase of an initial interview?

Answer 8

• Provide a summary of dialogue/session and agree on next steps
• Observe reactions to ending of session
• Express appreciation - understand demanding nature of initial session for them