Diagnostic Criteria In Psychology

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Another idea from my psychology courses is the diagnostic criteria. I actually received a copy of the DSM while interning with Kassandra, and I can see all of the criteria for different diagnoses along with the reason for separation. For example, there are several diagnoses for adjustment disorder, and the professional diagnosing the client has to distinguish which type of adjustment disorder the client has. For adjustment disorders, there is unspecified, with depression, with anxiety and depressed mood, and so on. I really never thought about that in detail, but since working with Kassandra, I have learned that this can be a lengthy process with some clients and that no two clients are ever alike. Another facet of the diagnostic criteria …show more content…

Since I do interact with elderly clients as well, I can see how relationships and socialization are vital for their well-being and what happens when they do not get this socialization with others. Older people may have depression and not realize it or seek treatment. There are many things that can lead to depression, and the most common that I have seen are the loss of a spouse, family member, friend, chronic illness, and isolation. I have seen depression in older adults due to mostly these reasons, and their family members do not always realize the situation, but there are instances where family members can tell that their loved one is not adjusting well to either a loss or illness. It is so important for them to seek treatment because they could become further isolated if they do not. Counseling is all about trying to find different ways of coping and how to change negative behaviors to positively impact (and even change) a client’s life, and I think that sometimes the elderly are a bit overlooked when it comes to mental

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