What is the difference between mental state and mental status?
For example:
The evaluation/diagnosis was based on my mental state (status?)
Google and Wikipedia appear to suggest both terms are in use. There is a medical examination called the mental status examination. There is also a Wiki page on mental state.
Best Answer
I'm not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV, so I'm not going to be playing light with real medical terms...
Your mental status was based on an evaluation of your mental state.
The 'status' is a 'quantifiable' measurement; a rubber stamp of what the evaluation determined.
Your status could be...
- Fine.
- A bit odd.
- Talks to himself.
- Barking mad.
- Completely hatstand.
based on your mental state when interviewed...
- completely rational
- muttering & staring at the floor
- swinging from the light-shade
- wearing your underpants on your head, pencils up your nose & saying "Wibble".