Diagnosis from the Bipolar and Related Disorders group

Choose one diagnosis from the Bipolar and Related Disorders group
• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc.
o Scan pages 123 through 188

Overview
As you will learn throughout the program, the diagnosis of a variety of psychiatric illnesses is not always an easy or straightforward process. Multiple observations and assessment methods are often employed to reach a diagnosis. This approach can include the use of standardized assessment instruments.  This then aids you in defining a treatment plan and choosing specific treatment plans to use in the care of your clients.
You are tasked with identifying a standardized assessment instrument/tool to measure the disorders listed for each week. You will keep these instruments in the form of a “portfolio” that you can use in your clinical practice to assess clients who present with a variety of symptoms.
Instructions:
Instrument/ Tool criteria:
For each assessment, you are tasked with selecting, you will identify an instrument and:
1. List what DSM diagnosis the tool/instrument is used for.
2. Identify an assessment/diagnosis instrument.
3. Appraise a scholarly, peer-reviewed article that addresses the use of the instrument to support your choice as an evidence-based instrument for practice.
4. Evaluate the instrument’s appropriateness for diagnosing the condition it is designed to assess or if the developers of the instrument reported that the instrument is only part of a comprehensive assessment for the disorder.
5. Describe whether or not the instrument can be used to measure patient response to therapy/treatment or if it is strictly for assessment and diagnosis.
6. Discuss the psychometrics/scoring of the instrument, including reliability and validity.
7. Discuss any limitations associated with the use of the instrument.
8. Include a link to view the assessment if possible.

Sample Solution

Assessment/Diagnosis Instrument: The Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ)

The MDQ is a 15-item self-report questionnaire that is used to screen for bipolar disorder. The MDQ asks about symptoms of mania and hypomania, as well as symptoms of depression. The MDQ has been shown to be a reliable and valid instrument for screening for bipolar disorder.

How to Use the MDQ

The MDQ is a self-report questionnaire, so it can be administered by a clinician or by the patient themselves. The patient is asked to read each item and indicate whether they have ever experienced the symptom described. The MDQ can be scored quickly and easily, and the results can be used to help determine whether further evaluation for bipolar disorder is warranted.

Interpreting the MDQ

The MDQ is scored by summing the number of items that the patient endorses. A score of 7 or more is considered to be a positive screen for bipolar disorder. However, it is important to note that a positive screen does not necessarily mean that the patient has bipolar disorder. A positive screen should be followed up with further evaluation by a clinician.

Limitations of the MDQ

The MDQ is a screening tool, and it is not a diagnostic tool. A positive screen on the MDQ should be followed up with further evaluation by a clinician. The MDQ is also not a perfect instrument, and it can sometimes produce false positives or false negatives.

Other Assessment Instruments for Bipolar Disorder

In addition to the MDQ, there are a number of other assessment instruments that can be used to assess bipolar disorder. These include the following:

  • The Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS)
  • The Bech-Rafaelsen Mania Rating Scale (MAS)
  • The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D)
  • The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID)

These instruments are more comprehensive than the MDQ, but they also require more time and effort to administer.

Conclusion

The MDQ is a useful screening tool for bipolar disorder. It is a quick and easy to administer instrument that can help to identify patients who may need further evaluation. However, it is important to note that the MDQ is not a diagnostic tool, and it should be used in conjunction with other assessment instruments.

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