Mimicking Psychological Disorders
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Discuss an example of how medical conditions might mimic psychological disorders. Then explain two ways you might minimize instances of misdiagnosing a medical condition as a psychological disorder. Finally, explain actions you might take within your scope of personal competency if you suspect a medical condition and why.
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The solution discusses mimicking psychological disorders.
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There is a huge list of medical conditions (and I mean physical issues here), can look like a manifestation of a mental or behavioral symptom. Hypertension, Meningitis, Seizure disorders, hypoxia and anemia are just a few. The general concept is that, if complaints of behavioral symptoms are also accompanied by specific physical problems, then a physical cause might be at work. For example, depression and anemia together might suggest a vitamin B12 deficiency. Referral to a specialist then is the only rational option.
In the DSM, the basic clinical recommendation is that all complaints of behavioral problems include a full medical history of the patient. This might, of itself, stop misdiagnoses before it begins.
Testosterone Depletion:
For men, the drop in testosterone might easily be mistaken for depression. The lack of sex drive, irritability, mood instability and lethargy are all symptoms for depression. Low levels of testosterone is an excellent predictor for depression. Yet, conventional antidepressants will have no effect on this disorder. As testosterone falls, ...
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