Examine You will be asked to make three decisions concerning the diagnosis and treatment for this client. Be sure to consider co-morbid physical as well as mental factors that might impact the client’s diagnosis and treatment. At each Decision Point, stop to complete the following: Decision  #1: Differential Diagnosis Which  Decision did you select? Why did you select this Decision? Support your response with evidence  and references to the Learning Resources. Purchase the answer to view it Purchase the answer to view it

Decision #1: Differential Diagnosis

The selected decision is to conduct a differential diagnosis for the client. This decision was chosen because it is crucial to accurately identify and distinguish between various possible disorders or conditions that could explain the client’s symptoms. By conducting a thorough differential diagnosis, healthcare professionals can ensure that the appropriate diagnosis is made, leading to more effective treatment and improved patient outcomes.

To support this decision, evidence-based practice guidelines recommend that differential diagnosis should be a standard procedure in clinical practice. According to the American Psychiatric Association (2013), differential diagnosis involves systematically evaluating and comparing the client’s symptoms, medical history, and test results to distinguish between various possible disorders or conditions. This approach helps to rule out alternative explanations and arrive at the most valid and reliable diagnosis.

In the case of this client, several factors need to be considered when conducting a differential diagnosis. First and foremost, it is essential to explore the client’s psychiatric symptoms and consider possible mental health disorders. The client presents with symptoms such as depressed mood, feelings of worthlessness, difficulties concentrating, decreased energy, and thoughts of death or suicide. These symptoms are consistent with major depressive disorder (MDD) according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5; American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

However, it is crucial to consider co-morbid physical factors that may impact the client’s diagnosis. This client is also experiencing physical symptoms, such as fatigue, weight loss, and difficulty sleeping. These physical symptoms may suggest an underlying medical condition, such as thyroid dysfunction or certain nutritional deficiencies, which can mimic symptoms of depression. Therefore, it is essential to rule out these physical conditions before confirming a diagnosis of MDD.

Supporting this approach, the World Health Organization (2019) emphasizes the importance of conducting a comprehensive assessment that addresses both physical and mental health aspects when diagnosing patients with mental disorders. This holistic approach ensures that co-existing medical conditions are properly considered, leading to an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

Additionally, research suggests that co-morbid physical conditions may influence treatment outcomes in patients with mental disorders. For example, individuals with depression and co-existing medical conditions may have a poorer response to antidepressant medications, as some physical conditions can alter the metabolism of these drugs (Wiles et al., 2009). Therefore, conducting a differential diagnosis and addressing any co-morbid physical factors will not only guide the correct diagnosis but also inform the most effective treatment decisions.

In conclusion, the decision to conduct a differential diagnosis is crucial in the case of this client. By systematically evaluating and comparing the client’s symptoms, medical history, and test results, healthcare professionals can rule out alternative explanations and arrive at the most accurate diagnosis. This approach is supported by evidence-based practice guidelines, which emphasize the importance of considering both mental and physical health factors when diagnosing patients with mental disorders. Conducting a comprehensive assessment that addresses co-morbid physical conditions is essential to ensure an accurate diagnosis and inform appropriate treatment decisions.