Key Question How do we assess and diagnose mental disorders Includes things such as thoughts and behaviors family history trauma stressors other contributing factors Based on existing research and the persons presenting problem goals Assessment and Diagnosis 2 12 Theories and Treatments Recap Where We re Going What is abnormality Assessment and Diagnosis Research Next class PTSD What is assessment Why is there a problem Aka case conceptualization What is the diagnosis Current symptoms What should the treatment involve Most common method Clinical Interview Process of gathering information Mood behavior thoughts Current functioning History of symptoms Risk information Substance use Important childhood experiences health medical history May include mental status exam Taking notes observing patient can be done during clinical interview or under supervision Thought process clear or hard to follow Appearance and behavior disheveled well groomed eyecontact Mood and affect anxious depressed Cognitive function brief assessment of memory Who is the current president of the US Orientation Person place time situation Features of good assessment tools Validity accuracy Does it measure what it s supposed to measure Reliability consistency Does it provide consistent information Two main types 1 Test retest reliability 2 Interrater reliability If you were to readminister this test at a later date would you be able to come to the same conclusion If multiple practitioners are performing the same test on the same subject you want them to come to the same conclusion Types of clinical interviews Unstructured No standardized set of questions or recording of responses Main advantage is that it feels a little more flexible and natural when adjusting to different patients Structured Set of standardized questions and recording of responses Most reliable main advantage The case of Kerri In Class Assignment 2 Imagine you are conducting a clinical interview with this client What are 3 questions you would want to ask her during the interview Key points from Kerri s case Unemployed and lives with her boyfriend Fears something bad will happen to her mother and checks on her mother frequently Fears belongings will be stolen Checks doors windows and repeats actions in response to worries Hears voices when stressed Has little motivation and interest in activities Challenges of assessment Person may be unable or unwilling to provide information Diagnosis A label attached to a set of symptoms DSM Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Early editions not reliable DSM III 1980 started giving concrete criteria for each disorder Current edition DSM 5 TR published in 2022 Issues surrounding diagnoses Category vs continuum DSM is categorical where most of mental health is on a continuum Differentiating disorders from one another Why Diagnose Facilitates communication Informs treatment decisions Helps predict behaviors Advances research and treatments Societal demands