introduction
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details
diagnoses
advice
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Tentative Diagnoses |
This section shows likely diagnoses and/or sub-clinical disorders. These are tentative diagnoses and need to be verified by a mental health professional. Symptoms that are problematic will be depicted in different colors, depending on their severity. Please refer to the legend provided for more information.
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Legend |
Severe symptom
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Moderate symptom
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Mild symptom
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Symptom not present
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Symptoms Detected
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This patient shows symptoms of the mental health disorders indicated below. While they have not reached the level of full diagnosis, seeking the advice of a therapist is recommended, as the symptoms may become overwhelming, more frequent, and more serious.
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Substance Use Disorder (score 31) |
This patient's answers indicate that s/he shows strong signs and symptoms of substance abuse. According to the DSM-5, the use of drugs or alcohol is considered abuse when it leads to problems in a person's life.
It is important that this patient speak to a professional to discuss the severity and frequency of his/her drug/alcohol use. If s/he continues with this behavior, s/he could be putting his/her own health and well-being at risk, as well as that of others.
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This patient indicated that s/he used the following substance(s) in the last 12 months:
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- S/he consumed alcohol a few times a month.
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This patient indicated that the following substance caused him/her the most problems in the last year:
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Substance Use Disorder Diagnostic Criteria
- A. A problematic pattern of alcohol or drug use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by at least two of the following, occurring within a 12-month period:
Alcohol/Drug is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended.
There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control alcohol/drug use.
A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain alcohol/drug, use alcohol/drug, or recover from its effects.
Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use alcohol/drug.
Recurrent alcohol/drug use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home.
Continued alcohol/drug use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of alcohol/drug.
Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of alcohol/drug use.
Recurrent alcohol/drug use in situations in which it is physically hazardous.
Alcohol/Drug use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused by or exacerbated by alcohol/drug.
- Tolerance, as defined by either of the following:
A need for markedly increased amounts of alcohol/drug to achieve intoxication or desired effect.
A markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of alcohol/drug.
- Withdrawal, after cessation of or reduction in use that has been heavy and prolonged (i.e. for several weeks or longer) as manifested by either of the following:
Withdrawal symptoms such as sweating, increased pulse rate, hand tremors, psychomotor agitation, nausea or vomiting, visual/tactile/auditory hallucinations or illusions, vivid or unpleasant dreams, anxiety, headache, fatigue/drowsiness, difficulty sleeping, sleeping too much, insomnia, decreased appetite changes, weight changes, restlessness, depressed mood, irritability, difficulty concentrating, flu-like symptoms, muscle aches, diarrhea, fever, excessive tearing, excessive discharge from nose, seizures, etc.
Alcohol/Drug (or a closely related substance is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.
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Major Depressive Disorder (score 22) |
This patient's symptoms point to a Major Depressive Disorder. This means that s/he likely feels unhappy, sad or empty most of the time and these feelings cannot be explained by a recent loss or by a medical condition. There are different types of depression, so a professional opinion would be helpful in determining whether s/he is suffering from Major Depression or another type of mood disorder, such as Dysthymia, Seasonal Affective Disorder, or others.
There are many treatments available for depression - many different medications, along with various forms of psychotherapy. One method that many people find particularly helpful is Cognitive Therapy, during which a person can learn methods to address the depressive thoughts and negative self-talk that are common in this disorder.
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Major Depressive Disorder Diagnostic Criteria
- A. 5 or more of the following in the same 2-week period, with at least one of the symptoms being 1) depressed mood or 2) loss of interest or pleasure.
Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, as indicated by either subjective report (e.g., feels sad, empty, or hopeless) or observation made by others (e.g., appears tearful).
Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all or almost all activities, most of the day, nearly every day (as indicated either by subjective account or observation).
Significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain (e.g. a change of more than 5% body weight in a month), or decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day.
Psychomotor agitation or retardation nearly every day (observable by others, not merely subjective feelings of restlessness or being slowed down).
Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day.
Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt (which may be delusional) nearly every day (not merely self-reproach or guilt about being sick).
Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness, nearly every day (either by subjective account or as observed by others).
Recurrent thoughts of death (not just fear of dying), recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or a specific plan for committing suicide.
- B.
The symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
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Manic Episodes (score 22) |
This patient appears to have experienced a manic episode. This means that s/he has had times when s/he felt an extreme and unusual emotional "high."
If this patient feels that his/her symptoms are a problem for him/her, speaking with a professional is his/her first step towards obtaining help. The most effective treatment for Bipolar Disorder appears to be pharmaceutical drugs, in particular lithium, anticonvulsant mood stabilizers, and atypical antipsychotic drugs. Cognitive Therapy might also be useful for Bipolar patients, mostly to assist in understanding the illness, dealing with its consequences, preventing relapse (monitoring symptoms and adjusting medications before a full-blown relapse occurs), and ensuring adherence to the drug regime.
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Manic Episodes Diagnostic Criteria
- A)
A distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood and abnormally and persistently increased goal-directed activity or energy, lasting at least 1 week and present most of the day, nearly every day (or any duration if hospitalization is necessary).
- B) During the period of mood disturbance and increased energy or activity, three (or more) of the following symptoms (four if the mood is only irritable) are present to a significant degree and represent a noticeable change from usual behavior:
inflated self esteem or grandiosity
decreased need for sleep (e.g., feels rested after only 3 hours of sleep)
talkative than usual or pressure to keep talking
flight of ideas or subjective experience that thoughts are racing
distractibility (i.e., attention too easily drawn to unimportant or irrelevant external stimuli
increase in goal-directed activity (either socially, at work or school, or sexually) or psychomotor agitation (i.e. purposeless non-goal-directed activity).
excessive involvement in pleasurable activities that have a high potential for painful consequences (e.g., engaging in unrestrained buying sprees, sexual indiscretions, or foolish business investments)
- C)
The mood disturbance is sufficiently severe to cause marked impairment in social or occupational functioning or to necessitate hospitalization to prevent harm to self or others, or there are psychotic features.
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Bipolar Disorder (score 32) |
This patient's symptoms point to Bipolar Disorder. A person who has this disorder can experience one or more Manic episodes or Mixed episodes (a Mixed episode is manic episodes interspersed with depressive episodes in quick succession). As a result, below you will find all the symptoms related to Bipolar Disoder, Manic Episodes, and Major Depressive Disorder that this patient displays.
There are a number of similar disorders in the Bipolar spectrum. The most effective treatment for Bipolar Disorder appears to be pharmaceutical drugs, in particular lithium, anticonvulsant mood stabilizers, and atypical antipsychotic drugs. Cognitive Therapy might also be useful for Bipolar patients, mostly to assist in understanding the illness, dealing with its consequences, preventing relapse (monitoring symptoms and adjusting medications before a full-blown relapse occurs), and ensuring adherence to the drug regime.
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Specific Diagnositic Criteria for Bipolar Disorder
Extreme mood swings from depression to elation without any apparent reason.
Symptoms interfere with life in some way, or caused distress.
Major Depressive Disorder Diagnostic Criteria
- A. 5 or more of the following in the same 2-week period, with at least one of the symptoms being 1) depressed mood or 2) loss of interest or pleasure.
Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, as indicated by either subjective report (e.g., feels sad, empty, or hopeless) or observation made by others (e.g., appears tearful).
Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all or almost all activities, most of the day, nearly every day (as indicated either by subjective account or observation).
Significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain (e.g. a change of more than 5% body weight in a month), or decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day.
Psychomotor agitation or retardation nearly every day (observable by others, not merely subjective feelings of restlessness or being slowed down).
Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day.
Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt (which may be delusional) nearly every day (not merely self-reproach or guilt about being sick).
Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness, nearly every day (either by subjective account or as observed by others).
Recurrent thoughts of death (not just fear of dying), recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or a specific plan for committing suicide.
- B.
The symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
Manic Episodes Diagnostic Criteria
- A)
A distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood and abnormally and persistently increased goal-directed activity or energy, lasting at least 1 week and present most of the day, nearly every day (or any duration if hospitalization is necessary).
- B) During the period of mood disturbance and increased energy or activity, three (or more) of the following symptoms (four if the mood is only irritable) are present to a significant degree and represent a noticeable change from usual behavior:
inflated self esteem or grandiosity
decreased need for sleep (e.g., feels rested after only 3 hours of sleep)
talkative than usual or pressure to keep talking
flight of ideas or subjective experience that thoughts are racing
distractibility (i.e., attention too easily drawn to unimportant or irrelevant external stimuli
increase in goal-directed activity (either socially, at work or school, or sexually) or psychomotor agitation (i.e. purposeless non-goal-directed activity).
excessive involvement in pleasurable activities that have a high potential for painful consequences (e.g., engaging in unrestrained buying sprees, sexual indiscretions, or foolish business investments)
- C)
The mood disturbance is sufficiently severe to cause marked impairment in social or occupational functioning or to necessitate hospitalization to prevent harm to self or others, or there are psychotic features.
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S/he reports experiencing the following cycling pattern for his/her mood changes:
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- Ultradian Cycling (at least once a day within the last year)
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (score 32) |
This patient shows strong signs of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This disorder, which can occur after a traumatic experience, involves intense feelings of anxiety and even flashbacks of the experience.
This patient experienced a traumatic event in his/her life, and is obviously suffering. A mental health professional can help guide him/her in the healing process and can help him/her learn to live with the memories of this difficult experience. The treatments for PTSD include Exposure Therapy, which slowly builds up from mildly frightening situations to more frightening ones, as well as relaxation techniques for handling anxiety and group therapy, among others.
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Diagnostic Criteria:
- A. Exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence in one (or more) of the following ways:
Directly experiencing the traumatic event(s).
Witnessing, in person, the event(s) as it occurred to others.
Learning that the traumatic event(s) occurred to a close family member or close friend. In cases of actual or threatened death of family member or friend, the event(s) must have been violent or accidental.
Experiencing repeated or extreme exposure to aversive details of the traumatic event(s) (e.g., first responders collecting human remains; police officers repeatedly exposed to details of child abuse).
- B. Presence of one (or more) of the following intrusion symptoms associated with the traumatic event(s), beginning after the traumatic event(s) occurred:
Recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive distressing memories of the traumatic event(s).
Recurrent distressing dreams in which the content and/or affect of the dream are related to the traumatic event(s).
Dissociative reactions (e.g., flashbacks) in which the individual feels or acts as if the traumatic event(s) were recurring. (Such reactions may occur on a continuum, with the most extreme expression being a complete loss of awareness of present surroundings.)
Intense or prolonged psychological distress at exposure to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the traumatic event(s).
Marked psychological reactions to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the traumatic event(s).
- C. Persistent avoidance of stimuli associated with the traumatic event(s), beginning after the traumatic event(s) occurred, as evidenced by one or both of the following:
Avoidance of or efforts to avoid distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings about or closely associated with the traumatic event(s).
Avoidance of or efforts to avoid external reminders (people, places, conversations, activities, objects, situations) that arouse distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings about or closely associated with the traumatic event(s).
- D. Negative altercations in cognitions and mood associated with the traumatic event(s), beginning or worsening after the traumatic event(s) occurred, as evidenced by two (or more) of the following:
Inability to remember an important aspect of the traumatic event(s) (typically due to dissociative amnesia and not to other factors such as head injury, alcohol, or drugs).
Persistent and exaggerated negative beliefs or expectations about oneself, others, or the world (e.g., "I am bad," "No one can be trusted," "The world is completely dangerous," "My whole nervous system is permanently ruined").
Persistent, distorted cognitions about the cause or consequences of the traumatic event(s) that lead the individual to blame himself/herself or others.
Persistent negative emotion state (e.g., fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame).
Markedly diminished interest or participation in significant activities.
Feelings of detachment or estrangement from others.
Persistent inability to experience positive emotions (e.g., inability to experience happiness, satisfaction, or loving feelings).
- E. Marked alterations in arousal and reactivity associated with the traumatic event(s), beginning or worsening after the traumatic event(s) occurred, as evidence by two (or more) of the following:
Irritable behavior and angry outbursts (with little or no provocation) typically expressed as verbal or physical aggression toward people or objects.
Reckless or self-destructive behavior.
Hypervigilance.
Exaggerated startle response.
Problems with concentration.
Sleep disturbance (e.g., difficulty falling or staying asleep or restless sleep).
The disturbance causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
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Generalized Anxiety Disorder (score 22) |
This patient's answers indicate that s/he shows signs of Generalized Anxiety Disorder. S/he is likely on edge most of the time, with no obvious precipitating event. This is a very common disorder and there are many effective treatments available. Seeking help would make his/her life a lot easier.
Treatments for Generalized Anxiety Disorder include anti-anxiety medications, relaxation therapy, and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy.
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Generalized Anxiety Disorder Diagnostic Criteria:
- A.
Excessive anxiety and worry (apprehensive expectation) occurring more days than not for at least 6 months about a number of events or activities (such as work or school performance).
- B.
The individual finds it difficult to control the worry.
- C. The anxiety and worry are associated with three of more of the following (with at least one symptom having been present for more days than not for the past 6 months).
Restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge
Being easily fatigued
Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
Irritability
Muscle tension
Sleep disturbance (difficulty falling or staying asleep, or restless, unsatisfying sleep)
- D.
The anxiety, worry, or physical symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
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Panic Disorder (score 87) |
This patient's responses suggest that s/he may be suffering from Panic Disorder. This means that s/he experiences repeated periods of intense fear or physical discomfort, which occur without warning or obvious precipitating events.
Panic Disorder can be debilitating. Untreated, it can be a frightening and limiting disorder. If this patient feels that s/he is suffering from this, s/he should speak to a mental health professional to prevent it from further disrupting his/her life and to develop a treatment plan that fits his/her needs. The treatments used might include Exposure Therapy, which slowly builds up from mildly frightening situations to more frightening ones, or other forms of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. These forms of therapy will usually be used in conjunction with pharmaceutical drugs, including anti-anxiety drugs and some forms of anti-depressants.
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Panic Disorder Diagnostic Criteria
- A. At least one of the attacks has been followed by 1 month (or more) of one or both of the following:
Persistent concern or worry about additional panic attacks or their consequences (e.g. losing control, having a heart attack, "going crazy")
A significant maladaptive change in behavior related to the attacks (e.g. behaviors designed to avoid having panic attacks, such as avoidance of exercise or unfamiliar situations)
Panic Attack Symptoms
A. An abrupt surge of intense fear or intense discomfort that reaches a peak within minutes, and during which time four (or more) of the following symptoms occur:
Palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate
Sweating
Trembling or shaking
Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering
Feelings of choking
Chest pain or discomfort
Nausea or abdominal distress
Feeling dizzy, unsteady, light-headed, or faint
Chills or heat sensations
Paresthesias (numbness or tingling sensations)
Derealization (feelings of unreality) or depersonalization (being detached from oneself)
Fear of losing control or "going crazy"
Fear of dying
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Attention Deficit Disorder (score 24) |
This patient's responses indicated that s/he might test positive for the adult form of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). This means that s/he has trouble paying attention for extended periods of time and keeping organized, and feels that s/he is easily distracted. Adults are less likely to have the hyperactivity component often found in this disorder than children are; therefore, this component was not included in the test.
The most common treatment for adult ADD is the use of pharmaceutical drugs, mainly stimulants such as Ritalin. This may be accompanied with psychotherapy to help an individual accept his or her condition as well as learn ways to cope.
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Attention Deficit Disorder Diagnostic Criteria
- A. A persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development, as characterized by 1 and/or 2 of the following:
- a.
Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or during other activities (e.g. overlooks or misses details, work is inaccurate).
- b.
Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities (e.g. has difficulty remaining focused during lectures, conversations, or lengthy reading).
- Inattention: Five (or more) of the following symptoms have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is inconsistent with the developmental level and that negatively impacts directly on social and academic/occupational activities
- c.
Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly (e.g. mind seems elsewhere, even in the absence of any obvious distraction).
- d.
Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (e.g. starts tasks but quickly loses focus and is easily sidetracked).
- e.
Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities (e.g. difficulty managing sequential tasks; difficulty keeping materials and belongings in order; messy, disorganized work; has poor time management; fails to meet deadlines).
- f.
Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (e.g. schoolwork, or homework; for older adolescents and adults, preparing reports, completing forms, reviewing length papers).
- g.
Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g. school materials, pencils, books, tools, wallets, keys, paperwork, eyeglasses, mobile telephones).
- h.
Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli (for older adolescents and adults, may include unrelated thoughts).
- i.
Is often forgetful in daily activities (e.g. doing chores, running errands; for older adolescents and adults, returning calls, paying bills, keeping appointments).
- Hyperactivity and impulsivity: Five (or more) of the following symptoms have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is inconsistent with the developmental level and that negatively impacts directly on social and academic/occupational activities
- a.
Often fidgets or taps hands or feet or squirms in seat.
- b.
Often leaves seat in situations where remaining seated is expected (e.g. leaves his/her place in the classroom, in the office or other workplace, or in other situations that require remaining in place).
- c.
Often runs about or climbs in situations where it is inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to feeling restless).
- d.
Often unable to play or engage in leisure activities quietly.
- e.
Is often "on the go," acting as if "driven by a motor" (e.g. is unable to be or uncomfortable being still for extended time, as in restaurants, meetings; may be experienced by others as being restless or difficult to keep up with).
- f.
Often talks excessively.
- g.
Often blurts out an answer before a question has been completed (e.g. completes people's sentences; cannot wait for turn in conversation).
- h.
Often has difficulty waiting for his or her turn (e.g. while waiting in line).
- i.
Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g. butts into conversations, games or activities; may start using other people's things without asking or receiving permission; for adolescents or adults, may intrude into or take over what others are doing).
- B.
Several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms were present prior to age 12 years.
- C.
Several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms are present in two or more settings (e.g. at home, school, or work; with friends or relatives; in other activities).
- D.
There is clear evidence that the symptoms interfere with, or reduce the quality of, social, academic, or occupational functioning.
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