Which of the following is NOT typically included in a comprehensive mental status examination (MSE)?

• A. Perception
• B. Cognition
• C. Mood and affect
• D. Genetic testing results

Answer: (D)

Mental status examination centers on a person’s current mental functioning, assessed through direct observation and interview. It covers domains that reveal how someone thinks, feels, and perceives their world, including appearance and behavior, speech, mood and affect, thought process and content, perception, cognition, insight, and judgment. Perception, cognition, and mood and affect are all standard components because they show real-time mental functioning and how the person experiences reality.

Genetic testing results, on the other hand, are not part of the mental status examination. They come from separate lab or genetic assessments and, while they may inform broader medical or psychiatric history, they do not measure current mental state in the MSE. If relevant, genetic information would be noted in medical or genetic history rather than as part of the MSE observation.