Wednesday, April 12, 2017

“Rule Out” Diagnoses - Cross-Examining Psych Doctors, Tip #73



            When reading a psych report you may find that the doctor provided “Rule Out” diagnoses.  “Rule Out” diagnoses are used only when there is diagnostic uncertainty.  With all due respect to the psych doctor who authored the report with “Rule Out” diagnoses, this indicates that they are unsure whether these diagnoses truly exist.  Accordingly, it is unclear why a doctor would chose to write a comprehensive report without obtaining sufficient information to be certain about their diagnosis.  However, it is clear that by adding “Rule Out” diagnoses to their diagnostic categories, the doctor has clouded the issue concerning the patient’s psychological state.

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