4 D's of diagnosis Flashcards
What is a clinical psychologist?
They deal with a wide range of mental and physical health problems including addiction, anxiety, depression, learning difficulties and relationship issues. They work largely in health and social care settings and some work in private practices and they have to be registered with the HCPC.
Give a brief outline of what the HCPC is
Health and Care professions council
Understand the key concepts of the knowledge base relevant to their profession
Be able to develop psychological formulations using the outcomes of assessment, drawing on theory, research and explanatory models and to implement psychological therapy. They have to be able to draw on knowledge of developmental, social and neuropsychological processes across the lifespan to facilitate adaptability. They have to understand therapeutic techniques and processes as applied when working with a range of individuals in distress including those who experience difficulties related to mood.
Be able to draw on appropriate knowledge and skills to inform practice
Have to understand psychological models related to those from a range of social and cultural backgrounds and ages. Need to understand psychological models related to working with patients, couples, families and community and at the organisational level in various settings, understand psychological models related to a range of presentations including severity.
What is “deviant”?
Behaviours, emotions and thoughts which are different from social or cultural norms. They are seen as unacceptable by society. Highly deviant behaviours like chronic lying or stealing lead to judgements of abnormality.
- Can also be behaviours that are rare and infrequent that don’t occur typically in society.
Why can’t we class all deviant behaviours as abnormal?
May be because of other factors such as menopause which may occur in women aged 50+ so that this deviant behaviour is caused by the menopause rather than a major mental health concern.
Name some behaviours where this is a major symptom/ criteria for diagnosis - deviant
Extreme mood swings - could be hormonal
Aggression - PMS or stress
What is “distress”?
Negative behaviours and feelings that cause distress to the individual or to others around them are considered abnormal. This can be physical such as aches or pains. Means that this is on a continuum of how they are from day to day. Extremely subjective. Uses K10 Questionnaire to measure levels of distress.
Name some behaviours that could be considered a major symptom of distress
Aggression and tension
What is “dysfunctional”?
Behaviours and feelings are dysfunctional when they interfere with the persons ability to function in daily life, to hold a job or form relationships. It can not be used as criteria on its own as dysfunction can be deliberate. Clinicians should discuss with the patient all aspects of their daily life and then assess if dysfunction is present by exploring obvious events. WHODAS Questionnaire measures dysfunction in 6 areas such as self care and social activities.
Name some behaviours that could be considered “Dysfunctional”
Sadness, lack of motivation and low personal hygiene
What is “danger”?
Behaviours and feelings that are potentially harmful to an individual or the individuals around them are seen as abnormal. This could or does bring harm to the individual or others. Can use GAF scale to measure danger, measured out of 100 with the lowest score meaning more risk of harm.
May be sectioned under Mental Health Act to keep them and others safe.
Name some behaviours where danger is a major symptom?
Self harm, suicidal thoughts, violence, drug addiction which are a physical danger to ourselves as well as others.
What impact will social norms have in forming a diagnosis?
Things may be stereotyped to be worse than they are. It is not socially normal to have depression so people may hide it or be stereotyped to be unmotivated which may lead them to have lack of employment
Gender differences in behaviour?
It is more accepted for a female to be emotional and so may be more open about it, which means they are more likely to be diagnosed than a male.
