1. Introduction to Diagnoses and Framing Bias
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Framing Bias: A cognitive bias affecting how information is perceived based on how it is presented.
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Importance of Broad Evaluations: Symptoms like fatigue could have various causes (e.g., hormonal imbalance, cardiovascular issues, substance withdrawal).
2. Common Mental Health Diagnoses
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Mental Health Disorders: ADHD, anxiety, autism, depression, and schizophrenia are common diagnoses that require differential evaluation.
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Physical Causes of Symptoms: It’s essential not to overlook physiological factors like low testosterone, thyroid issues, or vitamin deficiencies that can mimic or exacerbate mental health symptoms.
3. The Role of Bias in Diagnosis
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Confirmation Bias: Clinicians may be more likely to diagnose based on expected symptoms, which can lead to misdiagnosis.
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Availability Heuristic: Media coverage of disorders can lead to an increase in diagnoses because clinicians or patients are more aware of certain symptoms.
4. Diagnosing Beyond Labels
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Over-Diagnosis Risk: Assigning multiple diagnoses (e.g., PTSD, depression, anxiety) can overwhelm patients, making them feel broken.
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Focus on Symptoms: Instead of focusing on diagnostic labels, it’s important to address the root causes of symptoms for effective treatment.
5. Interplay of Physical and Mental Health
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Comprehensive Bio-Psycho-Social Diagnosis: Mental health professionals must consider physical health, emotional well-being, cognitive functions, and interpersonal relationships.
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Hormonal and Neurotransmitter Balance: Hormones like cortisol, estrogen, and testosterone, as well as neurotransmitters, play a vital role in mood regulation and overall mental health.
6. Managing Cognitive Biases in Healthcare
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Critical Thinking: Avoid jumping to conclusions based on first impressions or limited information.
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Holistic Approach: Incorporate a wide range of physiological, emotional, and environmental factors when evaluating a patient.
7. Consequences of Ignoring Physical Health
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Medical Referrals: Mental health professionals should collaborate with medical providers to rule out underlying medical conditions that might manifest as psychological symptoms.
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