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Meridian

Clinician tool

Diagnostic interview checklist

A structured interview companion — a checklist mental status exam across every domain, plus symptom-screening modules organized by suspected presentation, ending in a risk screen and diagnostic impression. Check as you go, then save, copy, or print.

Stays on this device. Everything you enter here is saved only in this browser (IndexedDB) and is never sent to Meridian or any server — it works offline. Because entries can include client information, use a private, encrypted device, and clear or export to your EHR when you're done. This is a scratchpad, not the medical record of truth.

AI-assisted — clinician review required.Prompts, checklists, and any suggested language here are a scaffold, not clinical advice. Confirm accuracy, apply your professional judgment, and follow your agency's policies and NH statute before anything enters the record.

Interview header

Mental status exam (MSE)

Check observed findings in each domain and add narrative where needed. The MSE describes the client at this point in time — pair it with history for a diagnosis.

Symptom screening by presentation

Work the modules that fit the presentation — each lists the core DSM-5-TR criteria domains to probe. These are interview prompts, not a scored instrument; confirm full criteria, duration, distress/impairment, and rule-outs before assigning a diagnosis.

Depression (MDD) — “SIG E CAPS” + mood

≥5 of the following most days for ≥2 weeks, including depressed mood or anhedonia.

Mania / hypomania — “DIG FAST”

Distinct period of elevated/irritable mood + ≥3 (≥4 if irritable only); mania ≥1 week or hospitalization, hypomania ≥4 days.

Generalized anxiety (GAD)

Excessive worry more days than not for ≥6 months + ≥3 associated symptoms.

Panic disorder

Recurrent unexpected panic attacks + ≥1 month of worry / avoidance about attacks.

PTSD

Exposure to actual/threatened death, injury, or violence + symptoms across four clusters >1 month.

OCD

Obsessions and/or compulsions that are time-consuming (>1 hr/day) or cause marked distress/impairment.

Psychosis / schizophrenia spectrum

≥2 of the core symptoms for a significant portion of 1 month (≥1 must be delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized speech).

ADHD

≥5 (adult) symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity, several present before age 12, across ≥2 settings.

Substance use (CAGE-AID / DSM-5 criteria)

≥2 of 11 criteria within 12 months indicates a substance use disorder (mild 2–3, moderate 4–5, severe ≥6).

Safety & clinical impression

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Meridian · New Hampshire community mental health. These templates and trackers are general professional aids, not legal advice or a substitute for clinical judgment, agency policy, or applicable statute and payer rules. Verify codes and requirements against current sources.

If a client is in immediate danger, call or text 988 or dial 911.