Mental Diagnosis & Symptoms

Mental diagnoses are identified through self-report or observation of patient symptoms. The current version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is the Fourth Edition (DSM-IV), which reflects the ongoing research and development of criteria associated with mental diagnoses. Mental health professionals are skilled at diagnosing and treating these conditions.

History

• Classifying mental disorders has been identified as a need in medicine dating back to the late 1800s. The first edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-I) was published in 1952, establishing a standard for diagnosis and clinical practice.

Significance

• Distinguishing symptoms of mental disorders from general medical conditions is important, as appropriate treatment planning is dependent on accurate diagnosis. Symptoms of mental diagnoses can look similar to those of medical conditions: for example, chest pains can indicate both panic attacks and cardiac problems.

Types

• Diagnosing psychiatric conditions involves identifying symptoms listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Well-known forms of mental diagnoses are mood and anxiety disorders, attention-deficit disorders and psychotic disorders.

Features

• A mental health professional can recognize symptoms of a mental diagnosis by observing features such as mood disturbance, anxiety, changes in sleep and appetite, poor functioning and/or auditory or visual hallucinations.

Prevention/Solution

• Entering into a relationship with a treatment provider (physician or therapist) is the first step in identifying symptoms of a mental diagnosis. Treatment options, including choices for medication and/or therapy, are becoming more readily available by the day.