Name that
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
A diagnosis characterized by excessive worrying that is difficult to control, occurs more days than not, and causes clinically significant distress or impairment of functioning.
What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder
"I worry all the time. I get anxious at work, at home, when I am trying to sleep; it's a lot for me".
Ask follow-up questions.
What do you worry about? When did this start? What does your body experience when you are worried? Does the anxiety prevent you from sleeping? Etc.
Do you ever have times when you feel a sudden rush of intense fear or discomfort that came from out of nowhere?
What are Panic Attacks
A personality disorder characterized by a disregard for the rights of others. Potential criteria include impulsivity, irritability, irresponsibility, recklessness, unlawful behaviors, and a lack of remorse.
What is Anti Social Personality Disorder
"Sometimes I think I would be better off dead than returning to my home country."
Probe for more information. Is there suicidal ideation? Was this hyperbolic? Either way, more information about why a client feels this way is important.
Make recommendations for counseling or other resources if needed.
Report to proper authorities if needed.
Do you ever see or hear things that you think or have been told other people don't see or hear?
What are Hallucinations
Two diagnoses characterized by intrusive symptoms, avoidance, and alterations in mood and arousal following exposure to a traumatic event. The two diagnoses differ by the duration of symptoms.
What are Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Acute Stress Disorder.
I want to stay in this country to be with my family. I married my husband in 2012, and we had our son in 2015. My husband is great. Well, 99% of the time. Maybe once a month, he comes home too drunk and will beat me or our son. But that's only when he drinks; I promise he is normally a loving husband."
As a mandated reporter, file a report with the appropriate authorities for child abuse.
Inform the client that you have a legal obligation to report child abuse.
Do you ever experience unwanted thoughts or memories?
What are intrusive thoughts
A diagnosis characterized by the development of emotional or behavioral symptoms that cause impairments in functioning in response to a stressor.
What is Adjustment Disorder
"During the events that led to my arrest, I was hanging out with my friend from Rutgers, John Smith..."
*you have a personal relationship with John Smith*
Recuse yourself from the case and inform any necessary parties of the conflict of interest. The evaluation may need to be redone without you present. When in doubt, always consult with the company's lawyers (admin or Dr.)
Do you notice that you look around your surroundings a lot, more than other people?
What is Hypervigilance
A diagnosis that includes the criteria for PTSD and includes pervasive problems in affect regulation, a diminished sense of self-worth, and difficulties in interpersonal relationships following long-term exposure to repeated trauma or multiple forms of trauma. This diagnosis is in the ICD but not DSM.
What is Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
"Don't write this down, but..."
Determine relevance to the psycho-legal question and discuss with the client as needed.
Do you ever feel like the world is not real like you are living in a video game? Hint: is a subtype of a dissociative reaction.
What is Derealization