Medical Conditions and the Psychological Diagnosis

When diagnosing a client with a particular psychological pathology or disorder, it is essential to consider whether the client has a medical condition. At times, medical conditions may contribute to a person’s psychological disorder. For example, the hormonal changes associated with aging for both men and women may mimic symptoms of a mood disorder. To effectively treat this person, a psychologist must address both the medical and psychological aspects of their condition. With many factors to consider, psychologists must be careful to address the symptoms of disorder accurately. A psychologist’s personal scope of competency related to client diagnosis is critical in order to effectively address other diagnostic factors to other providers.