Assessment tools have two primary purposes: 1) to measure illness and diagnose clients, and 2) to measure a client’s response to treatment. Often, you will find that multiple assessment tools are designed to measure the same condition or response. Not all tools, however, are appropriate for use in all clinical situations. You must consider the…

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…

1. Introduction Focus of Week 4: Anxiety disorders, Post‑Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Obsessive‑Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Clinical Importance: These conditions are among the most prevalent psychiatric disorders, often comorbid, and significantly impair functioning. Case Studies: Symptom Media training titles provide realistic patient scenarios to practice assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning. 2. Anxiety Disorders Definition Excessive…

Assessing and Diagnosing Patients With Anxiety Disorders, PTSD, and OCD “Fear,” according to the DSM-5-TR, “is the emotional response to real or perceived imminent threat, whereas anxiety is anticipation of future threat” (APA, 2022). All anxiety disorders contain some degree of fear or anxiety symptoms (often in combination with avoidant behaviors), although their causes and severity differ. Trauma-related disorders…

A 34-year-old African American female with Panic Disorder and Chronic Insomnia returned for follow-up. She reports waking up multiple times during the night due to panic attacks characterized by a racing heart and shortness of breath. She describes feeling constantly on edge during the day, with difficulty focusing and irritability. She denies recent changes in…

Comprehensive psychiatric evaluations are a way to reflect on your practicum experiences and connect the experiences to the learning you gain from your weekly Learning Resources. Comprehensive notes, such as the ones required in this practicum course, are often used in clinical settings to document patient care. For this Assignment, you will document information about…

Psychotic disorders and schizophrenia are some of the most complicated and challenging diagnoses in the DSM. The symptoms of psychotic disorders may appear quite vivid in some patients; with others, symptoms may be barely observable. Additionally, symptoms may overlap among disorders. For example, specific symptoms, such as neurocognitive impairments, social problems, and illusions may exist in…

A 24-year-old African American female with Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Anxiety and Depressed Mood, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Intermittent Explosive Disorder returned for follow-up. She reports ongoing difficulty coping with a recent job loss, which has triggered persistent worry about her financial stability and future. She describes frequent irritability and outbursts of anger, such as…

Assessing and Diagnosing Patients With Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders An important consideration when working with patients is their cultural background. Understanding an individual’s culture and personal experiences provides insight into who the person is and where he or she may progress in the future. Culture helps to establish a sense of identity, as well as…

A 40-year-old Hispanic female with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Insomnia returned for follow-up. She reports frequent nightmares and difficulty falling asleep due to hypervigilance and intrusive memories related to a past traumatic event. She describes feeling constantly on edge, with racing thoughts and an inability to relax, which worsens her sleep difficulties and increases…