Medical Conditions And The Psychological Diagnosis Assignment

When diagnosing a client with a particular psychological pathology or disorder, it is essential to consider whether the client has a medical condition. At times, medical conditions may contribute to a person’s psychological disorder.

For example, the hormonal changes associated with aging for both men and women may mimic symptoms of a mood disorder. To effectively treat this person, a psychologist must address both the medical and psychological aspects of their condition. With many factors to consider, psychologists must be careful to address the symptoms of disorder accurately. A psychologist’s personal scope of competency related to client diagnosis is critical in order to effectively address other diagnostic factors to other providers.

For this Discussion, consider the differences between medical conditions and psychological disorders. Also, within your personal scope of competency, think about ways to minimize misdiagnosis of clients. Consider best practices for diagnosis and treatment within your scope of competency.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post by Day 4 an example of how medical conditions might mimic psychological disorders. Then explain two ways you might minimize instances of misdiagnosing a medical condition as a psychological disorder. Finally, explain actions you might take within your scope of personal competency if you suspect a medical condition and why.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources and current literature.

·         American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.

o    Depressive Disorders

o    Bipolar and Related Disorders

o    Considerations of Medical Conditions

Paris, J. (2015). The intelligent clinician’s guide to the DSM-5 (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

·         Chapter 9, Bipolar and Related Disorders

·         Chapter 10, Depressive Disorders

Bondi, M. W. (1992). Distinguishing psychological disorders from neurological disorders: Taking Axis III seriously. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 23(4), 306–309. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

Neblett, E. W., Jr., Hammond, W. P., Seaton, E. K., & Townsend, T. G. (2010). Underlying mechanisms in the relationship between Africentric worldview and depressive symptoms. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 57(1), 105–113. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

Wang, J., Keown, L., Patten, S., Williams, J., Currie, S., Beck, C., & … El-Guebaly, N. (2009). A population-based study on ways of dealing with daily stress: Comparisons among individuals with mental disorders, with long-term general medical conditions and healthy people. Social Psychiatry & Psychiatric Epidemiology, 44(8), 666–674. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

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Heckman, C., & Westefeld, J. (2006). The relationship between traumatization and pain: What is the role of emotion? Journal of Family Violence, 21(1), 63–73. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

Meiser, B., Mitchell, P., McGirr, H., Van Herten, M., & Schofield, P. (2005). Implications of genetic risk information in families with a high density of bipolar disorder: An exploratory study. Social Science & Medicine, 60(1), 109–118. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

Rabinowitz, F. E., & Cochran, S. V. (2007). Men and depression: Implications for counselors. Counseling & Human Development, 40(1), 1–11. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

Snowdon, J. (2013). Should psychomotor disturbance be an essential criterion for a DSM-5 diagnosis of melancholia?.BMC Psychiatry, 160(13). Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.