Psychopathology And Diagnosis Dilemmas

Now that we are knee deep in the discussion of the various diagnoses, and now that you have begun work on your Diagnosis Kits, let's talk for a few minutes about how you might go about making some of the important decisions that await you. On any given day you can quickly read the diagnostic criteria and find a diagnosis that fits with the symptoms you are seeing. However, there will be times when you will question yourself and what you are seeing. Although some you will see will not rise to the diagnosis level for any disorder (and therefore should be repeated as 'No Diagnosis', the vast majority will meet criteria for at least one disorder. As you prepare to tell me how you think you will go about resolving these dilemmas, make sure your answer addresses:

1) What are your options for resolving diagnostic dilemmas?

2) How many times will you return to the decision tree for each classification of disorder?

3) Is there a time when you perceive yourself as being willing to seek consultation - and what would those circumstances be?

4) What role do the notes you took during your diagnostic interview play when facing such a dilemma?

5) If you are unable to reach a diagnosis, how would you record data so that future clinicians might know what you thought and any concerns you identified?