Diagnosis

The diagnostic process can be complex and may involve several steps to determine the nature of a disorder and distinguish it from other potential conditions. The health professional can take a comprehensive look at a person's symptoms, history, and overall mental health status. In the case of a mental health assessment, the initial interview is often performed by a psychiatrist, psychologist, or clinical social worker.

The diagnostic process

The mental health professional might use various tools and methods to gather information during the diagnostic process. These diagnostic methods may include: 

• Clinical interviews: Interviews are often the first step to diagnosis, allowing the professional to gather information through conversation and questions about symptoms, family history, and life events.
• Psychological tests: Psychological tests are standardized to measure specific psychological functions and behaviors to match them to specific diagnostic labels. 
• Observations of an individual’s behavior: Professionals might watch and take notes on how an individual interacts in various situations.
• Self-report questionnaires: Self-report questionnaires can provide insights into how a person perceives their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
• Collateral information: Gathering information from family, friends, or other relevant individuals may provide insights into the person's behaviors and symptoms.
• Neuroimaging: Tools like MRI or PET scans can sometimes be used to rule out medical conditions or understand the brain's structure and function. Currently, brain scans cannot be used to diagnose mental illness but may help a provider rule out medical causes. 
• Neuropsychological tests: Neuropsychological tests can test the brain's functions and challenges in specific brain areas or networks.

Once a mental health professional has gathered enough information, they can start to find patterns or possible explanations for the symptoms. They may also check for other disorders or underlying medical conditions that could mimic or cause the presenting symptoms. After this analysis, the professional might make a diagnosis that explains the individual’s symptoms.

Diagnosing mental health conditions may not be straightforward in every case. In some cases, a specialist may observe and reevaluate as new information becomes available. For this reason, communicating and following up with the mental health professional can be a vital part of the diagnostic process. In some cases, a therapist may choose not to make a diagnosis and work with the client on specific symptoms instead, as a diagnosis may limit or take away from the focus of healing for some people.

Mental health professionals often base their diagnoses on standardized criteria. The DSM-5 is the most current guide to recognized mental health conditions and their respective diagnostic criteria. The guide may help professionals keep the diagnostic process consistent to make a clear and organized choice when trying to understand what someone might be going through.

Below are examples of some mental health conditions and their diagnostic criteria as described in the DSM-5. However, note that there are over 300 diagnoses in the DSM-5. 

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition and form of neurodivergence that may cause symptoms or traits like: 

• Challenges with social interaction and communication
• Restricted, repetitive behavior patterns
• Self-stimulation behavior (“stimming”) 
• Hyperfocus on interests 

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is also a neurodevelopmental disorder and form of neurodivergence, identified with symptoms like: 

• Inattention 
• Hyperactivity
• Impulsivity 
• Difficulty maintaining organization 
• Hyperfocus on interests 

Major depressive disorder (MDD)

The diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder include the following: 

• Five or more symptoms of depression that are present every day for a minimum of two weeks
• One of the symptoms is a persistently low mood or a lack of interest in activities
• Other symptoms are present, such as significant weight changes, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, excessive guilt, challenges thinking or making decisions, or thoughts of self-harm and suicide

For those with thoughts of suicide, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. Please also see our Get Help Now page for more immediate resources.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

Generalized anxiety disorder may be diagnosed when the following symptoms are present: 

• Excessive anxiety and worry about daily events or activities 
• Difficulty controlling anxiety to the point it causes functional difficulties 
• Restlessness
• Fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability
• Muscle tension
• Sleep disturbances

Bipolar disorder

There are four types of bipolar disorder, including bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, cyclothymic disorder, and unspecified bipolar and related disorder. Below are a few of the general symptoms that may be present in these types of bipolar disorder: 

• Manic episodes that include periods of abnormally elevated mood, increased activity or energy, and a lack of sleep, among other symptoms (present only in bipolar I disorder) 
• Hypomania 
• Depressive episodes, which may be characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and other symptoms

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental illness characterized by the following symptoms: 

• The presence of obsessions and unwanted intrusive thoughts
• Compulsions, which are repetitive behaviors or mental acts to regulate oneself due to fear or anxiety about obsessions 
• Time-consuming symptoms that cause distress and significant functional impairment 

The diagnostic criteria for mental health conditions can evolve and change over time as new research is conducted. Healthcare professionals often work to stay current on the latest information and guidelines. Therefore, professionals often keep learning and adapting, ensuring they know the latest methods to support their clients.

A treatment plan is a detailed roadmap for an individual seeking help for mental or physical health symptoms. This plan may outline the specific strategies or methods used in therapy to help the person heal and achieve their desired outcomes. Treatment plans are designed by professionals, such as mental healthcare providers or therapists, based on the individual's symptoms, goals, and behaviors. 

One of the main goals of a treatment plan may be to provide research-supported care that is personalized and effective. By setting clear goals and objectives, healthcare professionals can track the progress of the individual, make changes to the plan as needed, and create a clear path to improving their condition. The goals and objectives in the plan are often measurable and specific to help the provider and individual monitor progress.

Treatment plans also help individuals have concrete goals they can work on. Having a written plan to guide people on their mental health journey can be helpful. Being able to achieve specific goals may also improve the client’s self-esteem. 

The specific interventions or treatments used can range from certain medications, such as antidepressants, to various forms of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps clients manage thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. A mental health professional can determine the most effective plan based on current research and evidence.