DIFFERENTIAL

DIAGNOSIS
derived from greek word 'GNOSIS' meaning 'knowledge'
coined by Emil Kreaplin

ARYA AGRAHARI
SR NO. 13
 WHAT IS DIAGNOSIS
AND DIFFERENTIAL
DIAGNOSIS
  Diagnosis is the process of identifying and
determining the nature of a disease or
disorder by its signs and symptoms, through
the use of assessment techniques (e.g., tests
and examinations) and other available
evidence.

Differential diagnosis is the process of

determining which of two or more diseases
or disorders with overlapping symptoms a
particular patient has. (APA)
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Symptoms are the subjective experiences

reported by the patient. Signs are the objective
findings observed by the clinician.
 
 Common signs and symptoms could be anxiety,
headaches, Feeling sad or down.Confused
thinking or reduced ability to concentrate.
Excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings
of guilt.Extreme mood changes of highs and
lows.Withdrawal from friends and activities.
 CONDITIONS FOR
DDX
1. when there is a considerate amount
of overlap and existing clinical feature
is/are assosiated with different
etiological factors.

GOALS
1. narrow down the working diagnosis.
2. guide medical evaluation and
 treatment.
3. rule out life threatening or time critical 
conditions.
4. to assist clinician to make correct diagnosis.
 STEPS OF DIFFRENTIAL
DIAGNOSIS
1. TO COLLECT AND SYNTHESIZE
INFORMATION- Patient history, physical exam,
evaluation of the patient's chief complaint and
symptoms
2. IDENTIFICATION- based on prominent part of
presenting disorder.
3. RULING OUT MEDICAL CONDITIONS - includes
drug related conditions. eg-alcohol, cannabis or
medical conditions like depression could be
response to cancer or thyroid dysfunction.
4. DETERMINING PRIMARY MENTAL DISORDER- distinguishing specific

disorder the patient has. Eg- for diagnosing depression , clinicians must
diffrentiate it from major depressive disorders, mood disorders.

5. DIFFRENTIATE ADJUSTMENT DIDORDERS FROM RESIDUAL OTHER OR

UNSPECIFIED DISORDER

6. ESTABLISHING BOUNDARIES- make judgement call and determining

whether it qualifies as a mental disorder or not.

 Strengths:
1. is disciplined and methodological
2. is cost efficient and practical proxy
3. helps to make sure that the clinician does not miss a possible cause.

Weakness:
1. if a step is missed there is a chance of inaccurate diagnosis
2. over diagnosis can lead to psychological and behavioural
labelling.

 CONCLUSION
Differential diagnosis is a critical component of accurate medical
diagnosis and treatment. It involves a thorough medical and
psychological history and consideration of possible conditions. By
carefully analyzing signs and symptoms, clinicians
 can arrive at a definitive diagnosis and provide appropriate treatment.

thank you