MSE
Also written as: MSE — Mental Status Examination
Systematic evaluation of a patient's psychological functioning at the time of assessment.
Full Definition
The Mental Status Examination (MSE) is a structured assessment tool used to evaluate various domains of mental functioning including appearance, behavior, speech, mood, affect, thought process, thought content, perception, cognition, insight, and judgment. It provides a snapshot of the patient's psychological state at a specific point in time and forms the foundation for psychiatric diagnosis and treatment planning. The MSE is typically documented using standardized terminology and organizational structure.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize when abbreviated; use full form on first reference in documents.
In Context
- "The MSE revealed disorganized thought process and auditory hallucinations." — psychiatric consultation report
- "A complete MSE should be documented for all initial psychiatric evaluations." — clinical documentation guidelines