Differential Diagnosis

Question 1

Step 1

Answer 1

Rule out malingering and Factitious Disorder

Clear goal: malingering (eg obtaining drugs, avoiding military)

No clear reward: Factitious

Question 2

Step 2

Answer 2

Rule out Substance Etiology
- Whether they have been using
- If so, etiological relationship? :
1. Direct effect on
2. Use is consequence
3. Not related
- If 1, decide which form of SUD best describes.

Question 3

Step 3

Answer 3

Rule out disorder due to medical
Step 2&3 ‘organic rule-outs’.
Difficult bc:
- Symptoms can be identical
- First symptoms of medical can be psych
- Relationship betw. med and psych can be complicated
-

Question 4

Step 4

Answer 4

Determine specific primary disorders
Which of DSM best accounts for symptomatology

Question 5

Step 5

Answer 5

Differentiate adjustment disorders from residual NOS disorders

Question 6

Step 6

Answer 6

Establish boundary with no mental disorder

Whether it’s clinically significant (your judgment)