Description

Week five is a synchronous class week, with class on Saturday (09/20/25). Students are asked to read Segal et al. (2019), a chapter that provides a discussion regarding diagnostic interviews and considerations for different settings, client expectations, and clinician approach. I also ask students to watch a video by Kinter (2020), who provides a broad overview of the DMS. There are forums for students to share about how they engage in the diagnostic process and other materials related to the DSM, and ask questions they might have. During class, we will spend time demonstrating and discussing how to use the DSM for diagnostic interviews, as well as an opportunity to respond to the questions posed in the forums in an AMA format. The agenda for the in-class session includes:

• General content in diagnoses
• Using the DSM
• AMA - DMS-5-TR Edition

The learning objectives this week include:

• Reflect on the structure, purpose, and challenges of the clinical diagnostic interview process across different practice settings.
• Explore the organization and diagnostic criteria of the DSM-5-TR through guided media and independent resource discovery.
• Identify and describe diagnostic features and symptom patterns of specific mental health conditions using DSM-based sources.
• Identify key elements of diagnosis, including symptom types, duration, frequency, intensity, and cultural/contextual considerations.
• Practice locating diagnostic criteria in the DSM.
• Evaluate how screening tools and assessment measures can support clinical judgment and diagnosis.