Start with the clinical question
Ask what symptom, risk, physical contributor or treatment decision is being examined. Testing without a defined question can produce incidental results and additional anxiety.
UK TESTS & INVESTIGATIONS
Blood Tests and Physical-Health Checks Relevant to Mental Health
Physical conditions, nutrition, medicines and substance use can contribute to symptoms. Tests are selected from history and examination rather than ordered as a universal panel.
Reviewed 24 August 2026
Direct answer
Physical conditions, nutrition, medicines and substance use can contribute to symptoms. Tests are selected from history and examination rather than ordered as a universal panel. The safest pathway begins with clinical history, functional impact, physical context and the question the result is expected to answer. Availability varies across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and between NHS and independent services.
Resources in this section
Full Blood Count for Fatigue, Cognition and Mental-Health SymptomsExplain how a full blood count may identify anaemia, infection or blood-cell abnormalities that can contribute to tiredness or cognitive symptoms.Ferritin and Iron Studies in Mental-Health-Related SymptomsExplain tests used to assess iron stores and iron handling where deficiency or overload is possible.Vitamin B12 and Folate Testing for Neurological or Cognitive SymptomsExplain why B12 and folate may be checked when diet, absorption, blood results or neurological symptoms raise concern.Thyroid Function Tests and Mental-Health SymptomsDescribe TSH and related thyroid tests used where thyroid dysfunction could contribute to mood, anxiety, energy or cognitive change.Kidney Function, Electrolytes and Mental-Health CareExplain urea, creatinine, eGFR and electrolyte checks relevant to illness, dehydration and some medicines.Liver Function Tests in Mental-Health Assessment and MonitoringExplain liver blood tests relevant to alcohol, medicines, metabolic health and systemic illness.Glucose and HbA1c in Mental-Health and Wellbeing CareDescribe tests for current or longer-term blood-glucose exposure that may be relevant to fatigue and medicine monitoring.Cholesterol and Lipid Profile During Mental-Health TreatmentExplain lipid testing used in cardiovascular risk assessment and metabolic monitoring.Calcium and Bone Profile for Mood, Cognition or Physical SymptomsDescribe calcium and related measurements used when symptoms or medical history suggest an electrolyte or bone-mineral issue.Vitamin D Testing: When It May Be AppropriateSeparate population supplement guidance from clinical testing for suspected deficiency or bone-health problems.CRP and ESR: Inflammation Tests and Their LimitsExplain non-specific inflammation markers sometimes used when physical illness is suspected.Pregnancy Testing, Hormonal Context and Mental-Health CareExplain why pregnancy status and reproductive context can affect investigation and medicine decisions.
How to use the directory
Know the test type
A questionnaire screens or measures severity; a clinical assessment integrates evidence; a laboratory or instrumental investigation answers a physical question. These roles are not interchangeable.
Plan interpretation
Reference ranges, sensitivity, specificity, timing, medicines and pre-test probability all matter. Results should be interpreted by the professional responsible for the pathway.
Related investigation pathways
Official sources
Scope, safety and urgent help
iMetaWellness provides complementary wellbeing information and reflective support. It does not diagnose a mental disorder, select investigations, interpret results as a medical opinion, prescribe treatment or replace a GP, psychiatrist, psychologist, pharmacist or NHS service. A test is useful only when a qualified professional has a clear question and a plan for acting on the result.
If someone may act on suicidal thoughts, cannot remain safe, has severe confusion, new psychosis, collapse, seizure, chest pain or another immediate danger, call 999 or attend A&E. For urgent concerns that are not immediately life-threatening, contact NHS 111, the person’s GP, mental-health team or local crisis service.
Use this information in a responsible next step
We can help you organise observations, questions, routines and a concise summary for an appropriate professional. We do not order tests or confirm diagnoses.