Re-examination of the clinical mental status examination

The traditional "mental status examination", as taught in medical school, is critically reviewed. The disparity between what is practised and what is preached, is outlined. Specific tests alleged to give information about mental function are discussed, and their clinical utility is found to be debatable. It is concluded that the reliability and validity of the mental status examination would be well worth testing. Alternatively, more use should be made of standardized tests which are now in the hands of clinical psychologists.