Differential Diagnosis Practice Flashcards
How do you differentiate Bipolar I from Bipolar II?
Bipolar I requires at least one manic episode (DIG FAST, ≥1 week or hospitalization).
Bipolar II requires at least one hypomanic episode (DIG FAST, ≥4 days) and one major depressive episode.
No mania = no Bipolar I
How do you tell Bipolar II from Major Depressive Disorder?
Both include depressive episodes, but:
Bipolar II has hypomanic episodes
MDD does not have any hypomania or mania
How do you differentiate Bipolar Disorder from Borderline Personality Disorder?
Bipolar mood swings are episodic (last days to weeks), not triggered by events
BPD mood changes are moment-to-moment, intense, and usually triggered by relationships or fear of abandonment
Mnemonic for BPD:
I DESPAIRR
I
Identity disturbance
D
Disordered relationships
E
Emptiness
S
Suicidal behaviors
P
Paranoia/dissociation under stress
A
Abandonment fear
I
Impulsivity
R
Rage
R
Rapid mood shifts
How do you differentiate Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) from Panic Disorder?
GAD = chronic worry across many areas, daily for ≥6 months (Mnemonic: WATCHERS)
Panic Disorder = unexpected panic attacks and fear of future attacks (Mnemonic: PANICS ATTACK ME)
How do you tell Panic Disorder apart from Social Anxiety Disorder?
Panic Disorder = attacks are unexpected, not tied to one situation
Social Anxiety = fear is specific to social or performance situations
How do you tell Social Anxiety from Specific Phobia?
Social Anxiety = fear of being judged by others
Specific Phobia = fear of a specific object/situation (e.g., heights, animals)
How do you tell OCD apart from GAD?
OCD = intrusive thoughts + compulsions to reduce anxiety (e.g., checking, washing)
GAD = general worry about many things without compulsive rituals
Mnemonic for OCD
O-C-D = Obsessions + Compulsions = Distress
