Question

1. Explain how general appearance can reveal many things about a patient, from medical conditions to self-esteem issues to depression.

Answer 1

General appearance

Assessment of General appearance is one of the important component in Physical examination as well as in Mental status examinations. General appearance of a person can reveal many things about him or her including medical conditions and psychological state of the person. General appearance involves one's facial expressions, physique, gait, posture, grooming etc.

Physical examinations may reveal several findings related to the medical condition of the patient. Assessment of General appearance is the primary step in Physical examination. Assessment starts when a patient enter into the room. By looking to the physique of the patient or a child a physician or a nurse understands that the person or child is malnourished or not. Before calculating Body Mass Index , by seeing the general appearance one can predict that weather the client is obese or not.

General appearance of a person especially one's posture reveals the abnormal curves of the spine such as scoliosis, lordosis and kyphosis. Generalised edema may indicates the systemic disorders such as renal disorders or cardiac failure.General appearance also reveals any significant skin disorders such as Vitiligo and hormonal disorders such as Cushing's syndrome, gigantism or dwarfism.

General appearance and self esteem

Body language is a main component of General appearance. Body language refers to the nonverbal communication by means of facial expressions, eye behaviour, gestures, postures etc. often thought to be involuntary. Body language of a person gives clues about his personality. Poor eye contact, poor posture , twisting of the hands show lack of confidence and a low self esteem. Relaxed state, proper eye contact, modest, no shivering indicates the good self esteem of a person.

General appearance and depression

Depression can be defined as the state characterised by saddened mood, hopelessness, worthlessness , helplessness and suicidal ideations. General appearance of a person largely reveals the signs of Depression state. The main symptoms are poor grooming, poor personal hygiene, sad face, no enjoyment in any activities, slow reactions etc. indicates that the person is in a depression state.

As a conclusion, General appearance of a person can reveal many things about him such as the medical illness, he is suffering with or the psychological state such as low self esteem and depression .