Diagnosis Made Easier

James Morrison, author of the bestselling DSM-IV Made Easy, provides an accessible roadmap and many practical tools for navigating through the complexities of diagnostic decision-making. By taking the reader systematically through the entire process, Diagnosis Made Easier spells out clear-cut principles for drawing on data from a variety of sources to construct wide-ranging differential diagnosis.

A review on decision trees help clinicians construct a valid working diagnosis that serves as a foundation for treating clients. Special features include quick-reference tables, sidebars explaining key concepts, and over 100 case examples that bring the approach to life.

Chapters address specific diagnostic issues and the most frequently encountered mental heath problems including:

• mood disorders
• anxiety disorders
• psychosis
• cognitive disorders
• substance use problems
• personality disorders
• interpersonal issues

Find out information on the safety hierarchy and how not to expose clients to possible risks, inadequate or erroneous treatment. It also places the need for clinicians to list possible diagnoses and conditions that are the most urgent to treat and can have the best outcome.

Chapters feature topics such as diagnosing relational problems, being able to distinguish disorder from normality, identifying disorders associated with substance misuse, and the challenges of changing a diagnosis. Areas cover the importance of assessing risks for violence, and noncompliance as part of a comprehensive evaluation.

In a section that goes over recognizing red flag information, a variety of characteristics that raise warning signs about trusting a client’s information at face value is reviewed. Some warning signs include poor cooperation, multiple personalities, the continuous changing of stories, and much more.

Topics explore how family history can guide diagnosis. Physical symptoms and their treatments can produce or worsen mental symptoms as well. Plus, find out information on why substance use can cause a variety of mental disorders.

Filled with diagrams, tables, highlight boxes, and an appendix that offers a list of important diagnostic principles, this highly user-friendly book offers a complete introduction to the art and science of mental health diagnosis. Diagnosis Made Easier meets the key needs for clinicians and students in any of the mental health disciplines.