Skip main navigation
Close Drawer MenuOpen Drawer Menu

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has updated its Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, including with new information specifically addressed to individuals in the European Economic Area. As described in the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, this website utilizes cookies, including for the purpose of offering an optimal online experience and services tailored to your preferences.

Please read the entire Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. By closing this message, browsing this website, continuing the navigation, or otherwise continuing to use the APA's websites, you confirm that you understand and accept the terms of the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, including the utilization of cookies.

×
Back to table of contents
No Access

Chapter 2.Differential Diagnosis by the Trees

https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9781585629992.mf02

Sections

Decision Tree for Poor School Performance | Decision Tree for Behavioral Problems in a Child or Adolescent | Decision Tree for Speech Disturbance | Decision Tree for Distractibility | Decision Tree for Delusions | Decision Tree for Hallucinations | Decision Tree for Catatonic Symptoms | Decision Tree for Elevated or Expansive Mood | Decision Tree for Irritable Mood | Decision Tree for Depressed Mood | Decision Tree for Suicidal Ideation or Behavior | Decision Tree for Psychomotor Retardation | Decision Tree for Anxiety | Decision Tree for Panic Attacks | Decision Tree for Avoidance Behavior | Decision Tree for Trauma or Psychosocial Stressors Involved in the Etiology | Decision Tree for Somatic Complaints or Illness/Appearance Anxiety | Decision Tree for Appetite Changes or Unusual Eating Behavior | Decision Tree for Insomnia | Decision Tree for Hypersomnolence | Decision Tree for Sexual Dysfunction in a Female | Decision Tree for Sexual Dysfunction in a Male | Decision Tree for Aggressive Behavior | Decision Tree for Impulsivity or Impulse-Control Problems | Decision Tree for Self-Injury or Self-Mutilation | Decision Tree for Excessive Substance Use | Decision Tree for Memory Loss | Decision Tree for Cognitive Impairment | Decision Tree for Etiological Medical Conditions

Excerpt

Differential diagnosis is at the heart of every initial clinical encounter and is the beginning of every treatment plan. The clinician must determine which disorders are possible candidates for consideration and then choose from among them the disorder (or disorders) that best accounts for the presenting symptoms. The biggest problem encountered in differential diagnosis is the tendency for premature closure in coming to a final diagnosis. Studies in cognitive science have indicated that clinicians typically decide on the diagnosis within the first 5 minutes of meeting the patient and then spend the rest of the time during their evaluation interpreting (and often misinterpreting) elicited information through this diagnostic bias. Forming initial impressions can be valuable in helping to suggest which questions need to be asked and which hypotheses need to be tested. Unfortunately, however, first impressions are sometimes wrong—particularly because the patient’s current state may not be a true reflection of the longitudinal course. Accurate diagnosis requires a methodical consideration of all possible contenders in the differential diagnosis.

Access content

To read the fulltext, please use one of the options below to sign in or purchase access.
  • Institutional Login
  • Sign in via OpenAthens
  • Register for access

  • Please login/register if you wish to pair your device and check access availability.

    Not a subscriber?

    Subscribe Now / Learn More

    PsychiatryOnline subscription options offer access to the DSM-5 library, books, journals, CME, and patient resources. This all-in-one virtual library provides psychiatrists and mental health professionals with key resources for diagnosis, treatment, research, and professional development.

    Need more help? PsychiatryOnline Customer Service may be reached by emailing [email protected] or by calling 800-368-5777 (in the U.S.) or 703-907-7322 (outside the U.S.).