How do you distinguish between normal distress and a psychiatric disorder that requires treatment?
Specialty-Specific
Purpose
This question checks if you understand how to differentiate between typical emotional responses and serious psychiatric issues. Interviewers want to see if you can apply diagnostic principles and show empathy in your approach.
Tips
- Mention the use of diagnostic manuals like the DSM-5 or ICD to show you're grounded in evidence-based practice.
- Highlight the importance of duration and severity of symptoms to determine if they meet diagnostic criteria.
- Discuss how you consider the impact of symptoms on daily life and relationships, as this is key in distinguishing normal distress from a disorder.
Common mistakes
- Don't oversimplify the process; it's not just about listening to the patient and reacting.
- Avoid jumping to conclusions without considering all factors, like context and functional impairment.
- Don't forget to mention the importance of ruling out other medical or substance-related causes before making a diagnosis.