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Wellbeing checks

Differential Diagnosis Schema 🧠

Mental Health

  • Depression: Persistent low mood, anhedonia, fatigue, changes in appetite or sleep
  • Anxiety Disorders: Excessive worry, restlessness, irritability, physical symptoms like palpitations or sweating
  • Stress-Related Conditions: Chronic stress leading to burnout, fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating
  • Substance Use Disorders: Uncontrolled use of alcohol, drugs, or medications leading to social, occupational, or health problems
  • Sleep Disorders: Insomnia, sleep apnea, or other disturbances impacting overall well-being and daily function
  • Eating Disorders: Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge eating disorder affecting physical and mental health

Physical Health

  • Hypertension: Often asymptomatic, detected through routine checks, may lead to cardiovascular complications
  • Diabetes Mellitus: Polyuria, polydipsia, weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, detected through blood glucose monitoring
  • Obesity: High body mass index (BMI), associated with comorbidities like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease
  • Cholesterol Disorders: Dyslipidaemia detected through lipid profiles, associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis
  • Respiratory Conditions (e.g., COPD, Asthma): Chronic cough, wheezing, breathlessness, detected through spirometry
  • Osteoporosis: Detected through bone density scans, particularly in postmenopausal women or those with risk factors

Key Points in History πŸ₯Ό

Presenting Concerns

Assess the specific concerns or reasons for the wellbeing check:

  • Mental Health Symptoms: Explore mood, anxiety, stress levels, sleep patterns, and any changes in behaviour or emotions
  • Physical Symptoms: Enquire about fatigue, weight changes, pain, breathlessness, or any other new or worsening symptoms
  • Lifestyle Factors: Diet, exercise, smoking, alcohol use, and substance use, as well as adherence to any prescribed treatments
  • Preventive Measures: Vaccinations, cancer screenings (e.g., cervical smear, mammogram), and other routine checks
  • Social Support: Assess the patient’s support network, including family, friends, and community resources
  • Work and Occupational Health: Explore work-life balance, occupational stress, and any work-related health concerns
  • Medication and Treatment Review: Review current medications, adherence, and any side effects or interactions

Background

Gather a detailed background including:

  • Past Medical History: Chronic conditions, previous mental health diagnoses, surgical history
  • Drug History: Detailed review of all medications, including over-the-counter and herbal supplements
  • Family History: Any history of chronic diseases, mental health issues, or genetic conditions in the family
  • Social History: Living conditions, relationship status, employment, financial situation, and lifestyle habits
  • Developmental History (if relevant): In paediatric or adolescent checks, explore developmental milestones and educational progress

Possible Investigations 🌑️

Physical Examination

  • General Observations: BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, heart rate
  • Cardiovascular Examination: Assess for signs of hypertension, heart disease, or peripheral vascular disease
  • Respiratory Examination: Auscultation for wheezes, crackles, and assessment of respiratory rate
  • Abdominal Examination: Palpation for masses, tenderness, and organomegaly
  • Musculoskeletal Examination: Assess for joint abnormalities, muscle strength, and signs of osteoporosis
  • Neurological Examination: Basic neurological assessment, including reflexes, coordination, and mental status
  • Mental State Examination: Assess appearance, behaviour, mood, thought process, cognition, and insight

Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests

  • Full Blood Count (FBC): To assess for anaemia, infection, or other haematological abnormalities
  • Electrolytes and Renal Function Tests: To evaluate kidney function and electrolyte balance
  • Liver Function Tests (LFTs): To assess liver health, particularly in patients with a history of alcohol use or liver disease
  • Lipid Profile: To assess for dyslipidaemia, an important cardiovascular risk factor
  • HbA1c and Fasting Glucose: To screen for diabetes or prediabetes
  • Thyroid Function Tests (TFTs): To screen for hypo- or hyperthyroidism, particularly if weight changes, fatigue, or mood changes are present
  • Urinalysis: To screen for renal disease, diabetes, or urinary tract infections
  • Bone Mineral Density Scan (DEXA): If osteoporosis is suspected, particularly in postmenopausal women or those with risk factors
  • ECG: To screen for cardiac abnormalities, particularly in patients with hypertension or symptoms of cardiovascular disease
  • Mental Health Screening Tools: PHQ-9, GAD-7, or other validated tools for assessing depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions
  • Spirometry: To assess lung function in patients with a history of smoking, asthma, or COPD

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General practice