Using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), explain and justify your diagnosis for each client.

Assignment: practicum – week 2 journal entry (due in week 4)

In order to accurately diagnose clients, you must consider their individual symptoms. For instance – Client A exhibits difficulty managing emotions, chronic feelings of guilt and depression, as well as intrusive thoughts and flashbacks from a traumatic event. Based on this information – a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder could be appropriate due to the presence of several depressive symptoms.

Alternatively – Client B has been exhibiting signs of insomnia, poor concentration, loss of appetite and feelings of hopelessness for an extended period. As such – these criteria meet the diagnostic criteria for Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia). Finally – Client C displays difficulty forming relationships with others as well as intense bouts of paranoia regarding their safety. It is possible that the client suffers from Paranoid personality disorder, which manifests itself in persistently distrustful behaviors towards others.

Ultimately – by utilizing evidence-based methods such as DSM-5 when assessing patients – clinicians can ensure they are diagnosing accurately while also providing suitable treatment plans tailored to each individual’s needs.