Mental Status Exam Flashcards
(57 cards)
Affect: Normal
The patient displays a full range of emotional expressions that are appropriate to the context of the interview. Their facial expressions are in line with their emotional responses.
Affect: Full Range of Expression
The patient exhibits a wide variety of emotional expressions, and these expressions align with their emotional experiences. Their facial expressions are flexible and adaptive to different emotional states.
Affect: Restricted
Mild decrease in facial animation
The patient’s emotional expressions are somewhat limited or less animated than expected. They may show some emotional response, but it is noticeably less than what would be considered typical for the situation.
Affect: Blunted
Significant decrease in facial animation
The patient’s facial expressions are markedly reduced or diminished. They display little emotional responsiveness, even in situations where emotional reactions would be expected.
Affect: Flat
No sign of spontaneous facial expression
The patient exhibits no spontaneous facial expression regardless of the emotional content of the conversation. Their face remains impassive and devoid of emotional cues.
Affect: Buoyant
The patient’s affect is excessively cheerful or exuberant, which may not be contextually appropriate. They may display heightened enthusiasm or happiness.
Affect: Dysphoric
The patient’s affect is excessively cheerful or exuberant, which may not be contextually appropriate. They may display heightened enthusiasm or happiness.
Affect: Euthymic
The patient’s affect is characterized by a balanced and stable mood. They exhibit a normal, non-depressed, and non-elevated emotional state.
Affect: Irritable
The patient appears easily annoyed, impatient, or quick to anger. They may have a low tolerance for frustration.
Affect: Happy
The patient exhibits a cheerful and contented emotional state. They may display smiles and positive body language.
Affect: Agitated
The patient is visibly restless, anxious, and fidgety. They may exhibit physical signs of nervousness.
Affect: Tearful
The patient frequently sheds tears or becomes emotional during the interview. This affect is often associated with sadness or distress.
Affect: Angry
The patient displays a hostile and irate emotional state. They may show signs of frustration, resentment, or aggression.
Affect: Suspicious
The patient is distrustful and wary, displaying suspicion or paranoia in their affect.
Affect: Frightened
The patient appears fearful or anxious, displaying emotional distress and apprehension.
Affect: Flirtatious
The patient engages in playful or suggestive behavior, often involving inappropriate or sexual comments.
Affect: Silly
The patient exhibits a childlike or immature affect, displaying inappropriate humor or silliness.
Affect: Threatening
The patient displays a menacing or intimidating demeanor, making verbal or physical threats.
Affect: Labile
The patient’s affect is characterized by rapid and unpredictable shifts in emotional states, often alternating between different moods quickly.
Affect: Edgy
The patient appears tense, nervous, or on edge, often displaying heightened alertness and restlessness.
Thought: Derailment / Loosening of Associations
Thoughts appear unconnected
One topic to the next
No logical transitions
Thought: Flight of ideas
Tangential thought process
Rapid and pressured speech
Triggered by distracting stimuli, seen in mania
Thought: Thought Blocking
Patient stops mid-sentence, does not return to the original idea
Caused by interruptions or hallucinations
