Mental health conditions affect millions of adults yet remain underdiagnosed and undertreated, partly because many people do not know that mental health screenings are a routine part of primary care. At Vish Medical, Dr. Arpana Pillay incorporates mental health assessment into comprehensive care — not as a separate service, but as an integrated part of looking after the whole patient.
What Mental Health Screenings Are Done in Primary Care?
Primary care physicians use validated screening tools to detect common mental health conditions. The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire) screens for depression by asking about mood, sleep, energy, concentration, and interest over the past two weeks. The GAD-7 assesses generalized anxiety. Alcohol use is screened with the AUDIT-C. These brief questionnaires take just a few minutes but can reveal conditions that significantly affect quality of life and physical health outcomes.
Mental health conditions are also deeply connected to physical health. Untreated depression increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Anxiety disorders can worsen hypertension and blood sugar control. Sleep disorders frequently co-occur with mood disorders. Addressing mental health is not separate from treating the body — it is part of treating the whole person.
When Should You Ask About a Mental Health Screening?
- You have been feeling persistently sad, hopeless, or empty for more than two weeks
- Anxiety is interfering with work, relationships, or daily activities
- You are sleeping too much or too little, or experiencing significant fatigue
- You are self-medicating with alcohol, substances, or excessive food
- You have a family history of depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety
- A life event — job loss, divorce, bereavement — has left you struggling to cope
Getting Help Starts With a Conversation
At Vish Medical, every patient is seen as a whole person. Mental health screenings are part of our comprehensive care approach. If you have been struggling with your emotional well-being, bring it up at your next visit — or book a dedicated appointment. Dr. Pillay can provide initial management, counseling referrals, and medication coordination when appropriate. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.