Each student will complete a diagnostic formulation/report based on case studies
provided by the instructor. The report should be 3 – 4 pages in length (typed and
double-spaced, not including title page and references; calibri 11 pt font). The purpose
of this assignment is to allow the student the opportunity to think critically about a case
study and then present a diagnostic formulation/conclusion using the DSM-5. The
student should keep in mind that the diagnostic formulation is not the be-all and end-
all of a mental health assessment, but rather a medical-model tool used to
communicate information to others.
Throughout the term, the instructor will provide diagnostic formulation examples
based on mental disorders featured (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, etc.).
The student’s diagnostic assessment should include the following grading criteria.
1) What is the chief complaint and/or presenting problem in the case study and to
what clinical impressions do they suggest in terms of signs/symptoms?
2) Given the presenting information, what other clinical syndromes and/or co-
occurring disorders need to be considered in your clinical decision (differential
diagnosis)?
3) What cultural issues may be involved that impact both the client’s perception of
their symptoms, and your impression of their symptoms (culture bound
syndromes)?
4) Provide a provisional diagnostic impression including both ICD 10 and DSM-5
code numbers and diagnostic label.
5) Graduate level writing skills (organization, spelling, grammar, APA formatting,
etc.)
