When assessing the mental state of a client, what is included in the MSE?

The Mental Status Examination (MSE) is a crucial clinical tool used to evaluate a client's current mental state. It encompasses a range of aspects related to cognitive functioning, which is why the assessment of cognitive functioning is a key component. This includes evaluating the client's level of consciousness, attention span, memory, thought processes, and insight. A thorough assessment of cognitive functioning provides important insights into how a client processes information, which can be indicative of various mental health conditions.

In contrast, while medication history, biopsychosocial assessments, and referrals to family are essential elements of a comprehensive assessment in therapy, they do not specifically fall under the traditional components of the MSE. Medication history may inform treatment decisions but does not assess the client's current mental status directly. A biopsychosocial assessment provides a broader context of the client's background and current situation and is separate from the focused purpose of the MSE. Lastly, referrals to family may be relevant in the context of therapy but do not pertain to the examination of the client's mental state at the time of assessment. Therefore, the evaluation of cognitive functioning is the most aligned with the goals of the Mental Status Examination.