This Assignment is your first diagnosis for the course, in which you use a case study to practice diagnosing mental disorders using the DSM-5-TR. You will conduct a similar diagnosis each remaining week. Remember these key requirements:
- The diagnosis must have a code written in the correct format on its own line, with specifiers if appropriate.
- Any Z codes come below that, each on their own line.
- Following this is the diagnostic summary—a discussion of the symptoms that supports the diagnosis.
- There may be more than one diagnosis for the client. All diagnoses must be listed.
Remember: This is your fist attempt, so focus especially on the how of the diagnosis. How do you use the DSM-5-TR to connect symptoms and behaviors with criteria?
Finally, recall that neurodevelopmental disorders may be co-occurring (i.e., more than one disorder at the same time). Here, as in many diagnoses, there is no single symptom that miraculously points to a disorder. The principal disorder (i.e., the one needing more immediate attention) should be listed first.
- Review the case study for this week.
- Review all the resources under the heading Diagnosis Assignment Handouts. These handouts present foundational information and can act as a quick reference to support your diagnosis practice throughout the course.
- Review the sections of the DSM-5-TR listed in the Learning Resources.
- Look within the noted sections for symptoms, behaviors, or other features the client presents with in the case study.
- Review the correct format for how to write the diagnosis noted below. Be sure to use this format.
- Remember: When using Z codes, stay focused on the psychosocial and environmental impact on the client within the last 12 months.
BY DAY 7
Submit your diagnosis for the client in the case. Follow the guidelines below.
- The diagnosis should appear on one line in the following order.
Note: Do not include the plus sign in your diagnosis. Instead, write the indicated items next to each other.
Code + Name + Specifier (appears on its own first line)
Z code (appears on its own line next with its name written next to the code)
Then, in 1–2 pages, respond to the following:
- Explain how you support the diagnosis by specifically identifying the criteria from the case study.
- Describe in detail how the client’s symptoms match up with the specific diagnostic criteria for all the disorder that you finally selected for the client. Note: You do not need to repeat the diagnostic code in the discussion.
- Identify the differential diagnosis you considered.
- Explain why you excluded this diagnosis/diagnoses.
- Explain the specific factors of culture that are or may be relevant to the case and the diagnosis, which may include the cultural concepts of distress.
- Explain why you chose the Z codes you have for this client.
Remember: When using Z codes, stay focused on the psychosocial and environmental impact on the client within the last 12 months.