NURS 771

NURS 771: Differential Diagnosis for Psychiatric-Mental Health

Prerequisites: Graduate Standing, Admission into the PMHNP Certificate Program or DNP.

Credit Hours: (2)

This course equips PMHNPs with the skills to differentially diagnose a broad spectrum of mental illnesses, integrating clinical judgment, assessment techniques, and evidence-based decision-making for comprehensive mental health care.

 

Detailed Description of Course

This comprehensive course focuses on the art and science of differential diagnosis in psychiatric-mental health care. It empowers Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners with the expertise to distinguish between various types of mental illnesses, considering clinical judgment, assessment techniques, and evidence-based decision-making. The course covers the DSM-5 criteria, cultural factors, comorbidities, and emerging trends in psychiatric diagnosis, encompassing mood, anxiety, psychotic, personality, neurodevelopmental, and neurocognitive disorders, as well as substance-related and addictive disorders. Practical case studies and hands-on exercises are integrated to enhance diagnostic skills.

Topical Outline:

• Introduction to Differential Diagnosis
• The DSM-5 and Psychiatric Diagnosis
• Cultural Competence in Diagnosis
• Mood Disorders
• Anxiety Disorders
• Psychotic Disorders
• Personality Disorders
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Neurocognitive Disorders
• Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders
• Comorbidities in Differential Diagnosis
• Special Populations and Differential Diagnosis
• Integrating Differential Diagnosis into PMHNP Practice

 

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

The course blends theoretical instruction, practical case studies, interactive discussions, and role-playing scenarios. Students will apply diagnostic principles to diverse case presentations, assess comorbidities, and sharpen their differential diagnostic skills under the guidance of experienced instructors.

The following teaching strategies will be employed, but are not limited to lecture, faculty/student directed discussions, class participation including peer interactions, case studies, role-playing, diagnostic exercises, simulation, reading assignments, computer exercise, application activities, study and independent research, and other written assignments. Because the course is online; audio or video presentations/lectures, discussion boards, chat rooms, and other instructional technology strategies may be used.

 

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completing the course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Apply the DSM-5 criteria for accurate psychiatric diagnosis across a wide spectrum of mental illnesses.
2. Recognize the influence of cultural factors on differential diagnosis.
3. Evaluate mood, anxiety, psychotic, personality, neurodevelopmental, and neurocognitive disorders differentially.
4. Assess substance-related and addictive disorders effectively.
5. Understand the complexities of comorbidities in psychiatric diagnosis.
6. Differentiate diagnoses in special populations.
7. Integrate differential diagnosis into PMHNP practice.
8. Integrate use of telehealth for diagnostic practice

 

Assessment Measures

Evaluation methods to assess the accomplishment of course objectives may include:

• Written examinations on psychiatric diagnosis.
• Analysis of case studies and diagnostic exercises.
• Active participation in role-playing and group discussions.
• Research assignments related to differential diagnosis in mental health care.

 

Other Course Information

Students are encouraged to stay up to date with the latest developments in psychiatric diagnosis.

This course is a critical component of the PMHNP program, ensuring that future PMHNPs have the competence to provide precise and comprehensive mental health care across various types of mental illness.

 

Review and Approval

May 14, 2024