Online Course

NDNP 870 - Diagnosis and Management 1: Differential Diagnosis of Mental Disorders Across the Lifespan

Module 9: Personality Disorders, Oppositional and Conduct Disorders

Differential Diagnoses

Note: The development of a personality change in middle adulthood or later life requires a thorough evaluation for medical condition or substance use disorder

Psychotic Disorders: The pattern of behavior must have occurred outside a course of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depressive disorder with psychotic features or other psychotic disorders

Anxiety and Depressive Disorders: Do not diagnosis a personality disorder during an episode of anxiety and depression since these symptoms may mimic a personality disorder. Social phobia relates to a specific object.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Personality changes after and persists when exposed to a traumatic event should be diagnosed PTSD

Substance Use Disorders: It is not a personality disorder if individuals are intoxicated, going through withdrawal, or pursuing activities in sustaining substance use.

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