One of the tools that a case manager might use to assess a client is the Mental Status Exam (MSE). The MSE has several domains, and today, we'll review what's included under the "General Presentation" domain:

A. Appearance - apparent age, grooming, state of health, hygiene/cleanliness, physical characteristic (build/weight, physical abnormalities, deformities, etc.), state of health, distress, pain, appropriateness of attire, pride, dignity. Note: take into consideration the individual's age, race, sex, educational background, cultural background, socioeconomic status, etc.

B. Motor Activity - posture (slouched, erect), gait (staggering, shuffling, rigid), coordination, speed- activity level, gestures, tremors, tics/grimacing, relaxed, restless, pacing, threatening, hyperactive or underactive, disorganized, purposeful, stereotyped movements, repetitive.

C. Interpersonal - rapport with the interviewer; engaged, interested, cooperative, opposition/resistant, submissive, defensive, fearful, note how they greet the examiner.

D. Facial Expression - relaxed, tense, happy, sad, alert, day-dreamy, angry, smiling, distrustful/suspicious, tearful.

E. Behavior - distant, indifferent, evasive, negative, irritable, labile, depressive, anxious, sullen, angry, assaultive, exhibitionistic, seductive, frightened, alert, agitated, lethargic, somnolent.