NR 547 Differential Diagnosis in Psychiatric-
Mental Health across the Lifespan Practicum -
Chamberlain
1/8
, NR 547 Week 1
1. differential diagnosis: The provider's initial hypothesis
-a working list of potential problems that can be associated with the initial
or chief complaint
-Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR)
• provides guidance for identifying psychiatric diagnoses
2. Psychiatric assessment: History taking: -History of Present Illness
-How long have you been feeling this way?
-Did something happen in your life that may have triggered these emotions?
-How is this current situation impacting your life?
The Psychiatric History
-Have you ever been hospitalized for any mental health issues?
-Have you ever had counseling or psychotherapy?
-Have you ever taken medications for2 your
/8 mental health in the past?
-Are you currently on any medications for mental health or sleep?
Medical History/Screening for General Medical Conditions
-Do you have a primary care provider?
, -Do you have any medical illnesses?
-Are you currently taking any medications or herbal supplements?
-Do you have any allergies to medications?
-Have you ever been hospitalized for any reason?
-Have you ever had surgery?
Family Psychiatric History
-Has any relative of yours ever been hospitalized for a mental health issue?
-Has any blood relative of yours ever been diagnosed with a mental health
issue?
-Has any blood relative of yours had a history of seizures or
dementia/Alzheimer's?
Social and Developmental History
-Tell me a little bit about your childhood and how you grew up.
-How was your experience in school when you were younger? Did you enjoy
school?
-How do you support yourself with your
finances?
-Do you have a good support system? Are you currently in a relationship?
Where do you live? Who do you live with?
-What do you do in your free time? What activities do you enjoy?
Mental Health across the Lifespan Practicum -
Chamberlain
1/8
, NR 547 Week 1
1. differential diagnosis: The provider's initial hypothesis
-a working list of potential problems that can be associated with the initial
or chief complaint
-Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR)
• provides guidance for identifying psychiatric diagnoses
2. Psychiatric assessment: History taking: -History of Present Illness
-How long have you been feeling this way?
-Did something happen in your life that may have triggered these emotions?
-How is this current situation impacting your life?
The Psychiatric History
-Have you ever been hospitalized for any mental health issues?
-Have you ever had counseling or psychotherapy?
-Have you ever taken medications for2 your
/8 mental health in the past?
-Are you currently on any medications for mental health or sleep?
Medical History/Screening for General Medical Conditions
-Do you have a primary care provider?
, -Do you have any medical illnesses?
-Are you currently taking any medications or herbal supplements?
-Do you have any allergies to medications?
-Have you ever been hospitalized for any reason?
-Have you ever had surgery?
Family Psychiatric History
-Has any relative of yours ever been hospitalized for a mental health issue?
-Has any blood relative of yours ever been diagnosed with a mental health
issue?
-Has any blood relative of yours had a history of seizures or
dementia/Alzheimer's?
Social and Developmental History
-Tell me a little bit about your childhood and how you grew up.
-How was your experience in school when you were younger? Did you enjoy
school?
-How do you support yourself with your
finances?
-Do you have a good support system? Are you currently in a relationship?
Where do you live? Who do you live with?
-What do you do in your free time? What activities do you enjoy?
