Targeting 3 Tiers of Psychiatric Problems in Patient-focused Psychiatric Practice: Diagnostic Signs, Symptoms, and Impairments; Specific Complex Subjective Complaints; and Contributing Meta-problems

Conclusions: Diagnostic or not, specific problems expressed by patients and families and contributing meta-problems should be integrated into initial formulations and tracked during treatment. Whereas only some of these problems may fall within a clinician’s scope of responsibilities, all should fall within the scope of concern, some to be referred to others, and some exceeding caregivers’ capacities. Periodic review of problem lists for patients’ and families’ most distressing concerns can contribute to the therapeutic alliance, increase patient satisfaction, and perhaps improve outcomes.
Source: Journal of Psychiatric Practice - Category: Psychiatry Tags: Practitioner’s Corner Source Type: research