Diagnosis Made Easier: Principles and Techniques for Mental Health Clinicians

by James R. Morrison

The third edition of this incisive practitioner resource and course text--updated for the DSM-5 Text Revision (DSM-5-TR)--takes the reader step by step through diagnostic decision making in mental health. Guidelines are presented for evaluating information from multiple sources, constructing a wide-ranging differential diagnosis, creating a safety hierarchy, and using decision trees to derive a valid working diagnosis. The book addresses specific issues in diagnosing the conditions most often seen in mental health practice, with an emphasis on how diagnosis informs effective treatment. More than 100 vivid vignettes illustrate the diagnostic process and allow readers to practice their skills.
 
New to This Edition
*Revised throughout for DSM-5-TR, including the new diagnosis of prolonged grief disorder.
*Chapter on eating and sleeping disorders, including new decision trees.
*New and updated vignettes and suggested readings.
 

Genres: Psychology, Counselling, Grad School, Social Work, Nonfiction, School, Science

348 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Ahmed Shadi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an essential book for diagnosis in psychiatry.

Morisson here teaches us how to make a differential diagnosis and what to do when information sources conflict which is very important because we face it a lot in practice.

He clarifies how to resolve uncertainty in diagnosis and one of the most important things I've learned from this book is not to jump to conclusion and diagnosis without enough information and the importance of the term "undiagnosed" when we don't we have enough information.

And although he stresses the rule that don't go for multiple diagnosis when one diagnosis can explain the patient's symptoms, he clarifies when to look for multiple diagnosis.

I recommend this book for anyone starting psychiatry or anyone who is working as a psychiatrist and didn't read it before.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was a SLOG. I had to enneagram three-wing my way to the end. I read it because I think it’s a good idea to occasionally go back to the basics and I learn something new every time I do. Pumping myself up for some quick read fiction book next.

[Roz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for beginner clinicians to help with the process of diagnosis. There can be so many things to consider and this book essentially gives you the walk through. The many vignettes are helpful as most textbooks will only give one or two uncomplicated cas study per chapter.

[Jan S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Makes very good points regarding diagnosis of major mental illnesses and is very informative on how to properly get to an accurate diagnosis however I find the lack of dissociative disorders to be very disappointing as they're some of the most overlooked disorders.

[James G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made the DSM-5 a lot easier to understand.

[Krystal Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Way easier than reading the DSM.

[Kat Kline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Essential reference for beginning helping professionals.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far, I'm very impressed. Morrison has some great insights and follows his own rules based on extensive experience. Common sense overrides 'research' 90% of the time! I like that..

[Raleigh]

I'm fairly anti-diagnosis and had to read this book for class, but I must say that it was really good for what it was.

[Lotus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic, user-friendly book on DSM-IV diagnosis and psychological disorders.

[AmoRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the easiest and most engaging textbooks I've ever read. Wish they were all like this!