clinical diagnosis

A client’s description of symptoms and the observations of the clinical social worker are not always reliable when determining a diagnosis for an anxiety disorder. Therefore, anxiety measurements are very useful in clinical practice. An anxiety scale can indicate the level of severity, which helps the clinician determine the appropriate treatment.  

 

For this Discussion, review the case study, “Working with Clients with Severe Persistent Mental Illness: The Case of Emily,” and read the DSM-5 chapters on anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive and related disorders. Remember, you will determine a diagnosis for Emily. Also, read the article on anxiety disorders by Olatuni, Cisler, and Tolin (2007). Finally, search the literature for an evidence-based assessment scale that would assist you in your diagnosis.

 

Post a clinical diagnosis for Emily based on the information provided in the case study, using the diagnostic criteria of the DSM-5. Note that the diagnosis in the case study was based on the DSM-IV. Include other conditions that may be a focus of clinical attention in your diagnosis. Compare the two diagnoses, particularly when using a person-in-environment approach. 

 

What target behaviors and/or symptoms does the scale assess? 

How valid and reliable is the assessment tool? How is the scale administered? 

How would this tool help you with your diagnosis?  

 

Support your post with specific references to the resources. Be sure to provide full APA citations for your references.