DIAGNOSIS OF PERSONALITY DISORDERS: Review the case study for this week.

Clients do not enter treatment due to the symptoms of a personality disorder—since the symptoms are ego syntonic. That is, the symptoms are comfortable to them, and thus they are often not able to identify that those symptoms are creating difficulties.

Clients with personality disorders enter treatment for many other reasons, such as depression, substance use, work demands, or family demands. When diagnosing personality disorders, it is important to always list the diagnosis that brought the client in first, followed by the personality disorder, then Z codes.

Keep these important characteristics in mind as you continue your practice this week.

Note: Remember that symptoms can occur in many disorders. As a result, all disorders in the DSM-5-TR covered up until this point may factor into your diagnosis (for example, as a possible additional disorder you diagnose).

RESOURCES

Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.

Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.

WEEKLY RESOURCES

TO PREPARE

Review the case study for this week.

Start by familiarizing yourself with the disorders from the DSM-5-TR found in the Learning Resources this Week.

Look within the noted sections for symptoms, behaviors, or other features the client presents within the case study.

If some of the symptoms in the case study cause you to suspect an additional disorder, then research any of the previous disorders covered so far in the course.

This mirrors real social work practice where you follow the symptoms.

Review the correct format for how to write the diagnosis noted below. Be sure to use this format.

Remember: When using Z codes, stay focused on the psychosocial and environmental impact on the client within the last 12 months.