The mental status examination( MSE)

The mental status examination( MSE)  MSE is a cross-sectional, systemic documentation of the quality of mental functioning at the time of interview.  It serves as a baseline for future comparison and to follow the progress of the patient. Outlines of MSE  Appearance , Behaviour & Attitude (Cooperativeness)  Speech  Mood & Affect  Thoughts  Perceptions  Cognitive functions  Consciousness level  orientation(time, place, person)  attention  concentration  Memory  Language and reading.  Visuospatial ability  Abstract thinking  Judgment & Insight MSE Appearance: include body build, self-care, clothes ,grooming, hair,nails, facial expressions, and any unusual features (e.g. weight loss). Behaviour: *both the quantitative and qualitative aspects. *Note level of activity, posture, eye to eye contact and unusual movements (tics, grimacing, tremor, disinhibited behaviour, hallucinatory gestures,…etc)  Attitude: *Note the patient’s attitude( verbal& non verbal) during the interview (interested, bored, cooperative, uncooperative, sarcastic, guarded or aggressive)