Test Your Knowledge

Preparing questions in advance can help patients to have more meaningful discussions with their physicians regarding their conditions. Patients may wish to ask their doctor the following questions related to mental illness:

1. What signs and symptoms do I display that might indicate mental illness?
   
   
2. Which mental illness do you suspect I have?
   
   
3. Why do you suspect that my feelings/thoughts/behaviors are not normal?
   
   
4. How will you arrive at an official diagnosis of my condition?
   
   
5. What is the likely cause of my mental illness?
   
   
6. Is my mental illness chronic?
   
   
7. What are my treatment options?
   
   
8. What if I take a medication and it does not work for me?
   
   
9. What is the long-term prognosis for my condition?
   
   
10. Are there specific signs and symptoms that might indicate my condition is worsening or improving?
    
    
11. Are there things I can do to reduce or prevent symptoms associated with my illness?