assessing and diagnosing patients with mood disorders – depression
When completing the Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation, it is important to gather a comprehensive history of the patient’s presenting problem, including the duration and severity of their symptoms, any past or current treatments, and any family history of psychiatric disorders. During the psychiatric assessment, it is important to observe the patient’s affect, behavior, and thought processes, as well as any physical symptoms.
To develop a differential diagnosis, it is important to consider all possible diagnoses that could explain the patient’s symptoms, including both psychiatric and medical conditions. To aid in the process of differential diagnosis, you can use DSM-5 diagnostic criteria.
Your assessment should include critical thinking and support evidence. For each differential diagnosis, you will need to compare them and then explain which criteria would rule out that diagnosis. Your diagnosis and treatment plan should take into account legal/ethical concerns, as well as health promotion and disease prevention.
Reflecting on the session will help you to consider how you might have conducted it differently.
Cite at least three peer reviewed or scholarly resources to back up your assessment and diagnosis. Use APA format guidelines. Include an APA-formatted list of references.