Diagnosis of Bipolar and Depressive Disorders
Assignment: Diagnosis of Bipolar and Depressive Disorders
Reflect on this direction from the American Psychiatric Association (2021) DSM-5-TR: “Careful consideration should be given to the delineation of normal sadness and grief from a major depressive episode” (p. 177).
When considering how many disorders may have depressive symptoms, diagnosing bipolar and depressive disorders is an excellent example of the way in which no single symptom or characteristic points to a particular disorder. Indeed, beginning this week, when you practice diagnosis, you should not just focus on symptoms related to the disorder covered this week. Any disorder studied up until this point may be possible to diagnose in the case study if there appears to be more than one disorder.
This week, you continue your practice diagnosing mental disorders.
Note: Remember that symptoms can occur in many disorders. As a result, all disorders in the DSM-5-TR covered up until this point may factor into your diagnosis (for example, as a possible additional disorder you diagnose).
To Prepare
Review the case study for this week.
Start by familiarizing yourself with the disorders from the DSM-5-TR found in the Learning Resources this Week.
Look within the noted sections for symptoms, behaviors, or other features the client presents within the case study.
If some of the symptoms, in the case study, cause you to suspect an additional disorder, then research any of the previous disorders covered so far in the course.
This mirrors real social work practice where you follow the symptoms.
Review the correct format for how to write the diagnosis noted below. Be sure to use this format. Remember: When using Z codes, stay focused on the psychosocial and environmental impact on the client within the last 12 months.
By Day 7
Submit your diagnosis for the client in the case. Follow the guidelines below.
The diagnosis should appear on one line in the following order.
Note: Do not include the plus sign in your diagnosis. Instead, write the indicated items next to each other.
Code + Name + Specifier (appears on its own first line)
Z code (appears on its own line next with its name written next to the code)
Then, in 1–2 pages, respond to the following:
Explain how you support the diagnosis by specifically identifying the criteria from the case study.
Describe in detail how the client’s symptoms match up with the specific diagnostic criteria for the disorder (or all the disorders) that you finally selected for the client. You do not need to repeat the diagnostic code in the explanation.
Identify the differential diagnosis you considered.
Explain why you excluded this diagnosis/diagnoses.
Explain the specific factors of culture that are or may be relevant to the case and the diagnosis, which may include the cultural concepts of distress.
Explain why you chose the Z codes you have for this client.
Remember: When using Z codes, stay focused on the psychosocial and environmental impact on the client within the last 12 months.
Week 4 – CASE OF LAURA – 1 F code and 1 Z code ?
Intake Date: October xxxx ?
IDENTIFYING/DEMOGRAPHIC DATA: Laura is a 12-year-old Caucasian female who resides in California with her parents and 2 siblings. Laura comes from a middle-class family. She attends a private catholic.
CHIEF COMPLAINT/PRESENTING PROBLEM: Laura was brought in by her mom because of her outbursts. Mom things it started when Laura first got her menstrual period at 9 years old but the incidents are fairly often and disruptive.
HISTORY OF PRESENT ILLNESS: Mom noticed Laura started with the outbursts that are over and above any particular thing that happens. At first the outbursts were a couple of times per month but now they are several times per week. Mom cannot remember a week that they are not happening. Teachers have noted over the past couple of years that Laura would have these outbursts in the classroom or on the playground. Laura’s parents have had teacher parent meetings several times over these behaviors.
PAST PSYCHIATRIC HISTORY: Laura reports that she is never really happy and is not sure why she has these outbursts. When she is not having an outburst she feels irritable and angry all the time.
SUBSTANCE USE HISTORY: Laura denies any alcohol or drug use
PAST MEDICAL HISTORY: Laura has had normal childhood illness. There are no prominent illnesses reported.
CURRENT FAMILY ISSUES AND DYNAMICS: Laura believes her sisters intentionally target her and initiate her outbursts
MENTAL STATUS EXAM: Laura looks her stated age of 12. She is dressed appropriately for her age. Laura describes her mood as down. Her eating habits and weight is unchanged from earlier years. Laura denies homicidal and suicidal ideation.
Answer preview to Diagnosis of Bipolar and Depressive Disorders
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