What Is Differential Diagnosis In Psychology

The method of differential diagnosis was first suggested for use in the diagnosis of mental disorders by emil kraepelin.

What is differential diagnosis in psychology. A differential diagnosis means that there is more than one possibility for your diagnosis. A differential diagnosis is also commonly used within the field of psychiatry psychology where two different diagnoses can be attached to a patient who is exhibiting symptoms which could fit into either diagnosis. During a health history you ll be asked about your symptoms lifestyle and previous health problems. From the information gathered in the history and examination the following differential diagnosis can be posited.

Distinction between 2 or more similar conditions by identifying the. This process can be divided into six steps. Most differential diagnoses include a physical exam and a health history. In addition she meets at least five of the dms iv criteria on mental state examination.

Rule out malingering and factitious disorder. Unfortunately there are currently no lab tests to identify depression. Bipolar i and ii. It involves making a list of all possible.

Differential diagnosis is a process used by doctors to establish which mental health disorder is causing a patient s symptoms. Bipolar i ii. How will my provider make a differential diagnosis. Differential dx for common psychological disorders in dsm iv tr.

Your doctor must differentiate between these to determine the actual diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. It s based off of the facts obtained from your symptoms medical history basic laboratory. Differential diagnosis is the bread and butter of our task as clinicians patients come into the office seeking relief from broad symptoms such as depressed mood or fatigue and clinicians must consider which of all the disorders in dsm could account for those symptoms. Instead the diagnosis is based on your medical history and your symptoms.

Differential diagnosis sometimes abbreviated ddx or or δδ is the systematic method used to identify the condition syndrome or disorder causing a patient s signs and symptoms. 1 major depressive disorder lucy s unhappy childhood and psychiatric history of depression support this diagnosis. A differential diagnosis is a list of possible conditions or diseases that could be causing your symptoms. Psychology definition of differential diagnosis.