Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
MSE
Also written as: MSE — Mental Status Examination
Mental Status Examination, a systematic assessment of psychological functioning and cognitive abilities.
Full Definition
The MSE evaluates appearance, behavior, speech, mood, affect, thought process, thought content, perception, cognition, insight, and judgment. It provides a snapshot of mental functioning at a specific time and differs from a psychiatric history or psychological testing. Standard components include orientation, memory, concentration, and reality testing. Documentation follows established formats and terminology.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalize when abbreviated; can be lowercase when spelled out in general usage.
In Context
- "The MSE revealed intact orientation but impaired concentration and recent memory." — Clinical assessment
- "Findings from the MSE supported the provisional diagnosis of major depressive disorder." — Diagnostic summary
Also known as
Mental Status Examination
mental status exam
Don't confuse with
MSW
psychiatric history
cognitive assessment