Why we check for medical causes of mental health symptoms
Investigations for mental health symptoms are the tests a clinician uses to check whether a medical condition is causing or worsening what looks like depression, anxiety or another mental health problem. Low mood, exhaustion, poor concentration and changes in thinking are usually understood as mental health symptoms — and often they are. But there are a number of medical causes of mental health symptoms, and treating the mental health side without checking for a physical cause can mean months of treatment that doesn’t work. At Mindora Health, diagnostic investigations are part of a proper assessment, not an afterthought.
Why investigations matter in a mental health assessment
A diagnosis of depression, anxiety or another mental health condition is made partly by ruling other things out. If the underlying cause of your symptoms is a thyroid problem or a vitamin deficiency, the right treatment is for that condition — and a psychiatric medication may add side effects without addressing the cause. Investigations also provide the baseline measurements that some psychiatric medications require before they can be prescribed safely, and the monitoring they require once they are started.
Medical conditions that can mimic or worsen mental health symptoms
Examples of conditions that may be considered, depending on your history and presentation, include:
This is not an exhaustive list, and not every person needs every test. Which investigations are requested depends on your individual presentation and history.
What investigations may be requested
Where clinically indicated, your Nurse Practitioner may request:
Requests are made through standard pathology providers in the Illawarra with a Medicare rebate where applicable. Where a test falls outside a Nurse Practitioner’s scope, we will arrange it through your GP.
Mental Health Medication Management
How it works
Our approach
Investigations reflect the biopsychosocial approach at the heart of how we work: the biological contributors to how you feel are assessed alongside the psychological and social ones, not ignored. Our practitioner’s postgraduate training in addiction medicine and published research on co-occurring mental health and substance use inform particular care in the areas where physical health, substance use and mental health overlap. Read about our practitioner →
Fees
| Appointment | Duration | Fee | Medicare rebate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial comprehensive assessment (new clients) — includes investigation requests where indicated | 60 min | $250 | $117.20 |
| Long follow-up — review results and revise treatment plan | 40 min | $150 | $75.60 |
| Standard follow-up — review results, monitor treatment plan | 20 min | $100 | $52.55 |
| Brief follow-up | 10 min | $50 | $27.80 |
