ATI Mental Health Practice B Related

Review ATI Mental Health Practice B related questions and content

How do psychiatrists determine which diagnosis to give a patient?

  • A. Psychiatrists use pre-established criteria from the APA's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
  • B. Hospital policy dictates how psychiatrists diagnose mental disorders.
  • C. Psychiatrists assess the patient and identify diagnoses based on the patient's symptoms and contributing factors.
  • D. The American Medical Association identifies 10 diagnostic labels that psychiatrists can choose from.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Psychiatrists use pre-established criteria from the APA's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to determine which diagnosis to give a patient. The DSM-5 is a comprehensive manual published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) that outlines specific criteria for diagnosing mental disorders. It aims to ensure accurate and consistent diagnosis and treatment. Choices B and D provide inaccurate information. Hospital policy does not dictate psychiatric diagnoses, and the American Medical Association does not provide diagnostic labels for mental disorders. Choice C, although mentioning the assessment of patients, does not highlight the specific criteria and guidelines provided by the DSM-5 that psychiatrists use to assign diagnoses.