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ASSESSING AND DIAGNOSING PATIENTS WITH MOOD DISORDERS

Accurately diagnosing depressive disorders can be challenging given their periodic and, at times, cyclic nature. Some of these disorders occur in response to stressors and, depending on the cultural history of the client, may affect their decision to seek treatment. Bipolar disorders can also be difficult to properly diagnose. While clients with a bipolar or related disorder will likely have to contend with the disorder indefinitely, many find that the use of medication and evidence-based treatments have favorable outcomes.

RESOURCES

 

Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity. Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.

WEEKLY RESOURCES

TO PREPARE:

· Review this week’s Learning Resources. Consider the insights they provide about assessing and diagnosing mood disorders.

· Download the Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation Template, which you will use to complete this Assignment. Also review the Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation Exemplar to see an example of a completed evaluation document.

· By Day 1 of this week, select a specific video case study to use for this Assignment from the Video Case Selections choices in the Learning Resources. View your assigned video case and review the additional data for the case in the “Case History Reports” document, keeping the requirements of the evaluation template in mind.

· Consider what history would be necessary to collect from this patient.

· Consider what interview questions you would need to ask this patient.

· Identify at least three possible differential diagnoses for the patient.

BY DAY 7 OF WEEK 3

Complete and submit your Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation, including your differential diagnosis and critical-thinking process to formulate a primary diagnosis. Incorporate the following into your responses in the template:

· Subjective: What details did the patient provide regarding their chief complaint and symptomology to derive your differential diagnosis? What is the duration and severity of their symptoms? How are their symptoms impacting their functioning in life?

· Objective: What observations did you make during the psychiatric assessment?

· Assessment: Discuss the patient’s mental status examination results. What were your differential diagnoses? Provide a minimum of three possible diagnoses with supporting evidence, listed in order from highest priority to lowest priority. Compare the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for each differential diagnosis and explain what DSM-5 criteria rules out the differential diagnosis to find an accurate diagnosis. Explain the critical-thinking process that led you to the primary diagnosis you selected. Include pertinent positives and pertinent negatives for the specific patient case.

· Reflection notes: What would you do differently with this client if you could conduct the session over? Also include in your reflection a discussion related to legal/ethical considerations (demonstrate critical thinking beyond confidentiality and consent for treatment!), health promotion and disease prevention taking into consideration patient factors (such as age, ethnic group, etc.), PMH, and other risk factors (e.g., socioeconomic, cultural background, etc.).

SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step 1: Understand the Purpose of the Assignment

• The goal is to analyze psychopathological conditions using diagnostic reasoning.
• Apply DSM-5 criteria to assess mental health disorders.
• Explore clinical decision-making in psychiatric diagnosis and treatment.

Step 2: Structure Your Response

1. Introduction

   • Define psychopathology and its relevance in clinical practice.
   • Briefly explain diagnostic reasoning and why it is essential.
   • State the objective of the paper.

2. Case Analysis (if applicable)

   • Present a hypothetical or real patient case with symptoms.
   • Apply DSM-5 diagnostic criteria to assess the disorder.
   • Justify the diagnosis based on clinical evidence and research.

3. Differential Diagnosis

   • Discuss alternative disorders that could explain the symptoms.
   • Compare key features and rule out less likely conditions.

4. Treatment Plan

   • Outline evidence-based interventions (medications, therapy, lifestyle changes).
   • Explain the rationale behind each recommended treatment.
   • Consider ethical and cultural factors in treatment decisions.

5. Discussion and Clinical Implications

   • Explore challenges in diagnosis (e.g., overlapping symptoms, comorbidities).
   • Address biases or limitations in the diagnostic process.
   • Discuss implications for patient care and outcomes.

6. Conclusion

   • Summarize key points and reaffirm the importance of diagnostic reasoning.
   • Suggest future research areas or improvements in diagnostic methods.

7. References

   • Cite DSM-5, peer-reviewed journal articles, and clinical guidelines.

Step 3: Formatting and Submission

• Follow APA formatting (title page, headings, citations, reference list).
• Proofread for clarity, accuracy, and coherence.

By following these steps, you’ll create a well-structured and insightful assignment on psychopathology and diagnostic reasoning!

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