In this workshop we will pose and answer a number of questions foundational to examining the nature of psychotic symptoms. Beginning with philosophy of psychiatry, we will consider together: What is the nature of a mental health diagnosis? In what ways might labels help? How might they do harm? How real or symbolic in nature are they? What are some different ways of thinking about psychiatric diagnoses? Further, what do we mean we say “psychosis”? What causes symptoms constitute psychosis and what are some causes of “extra-ordinary” experiences? We will then explore differential diagnosis and treatment planning for two case examples.

Training Objectives:

By the end of this workshop, participants should be able to…

1. Describe why diagnosis is important and ways in which diagnostic work in mental health conditions is complicated
2. Explore four critiques of mental health diagnoses
3. Define three diagnostic paradigms including categorical (DSM, ICD), dimensional, and narrative nosological frameworks
4. Detail the strengths and limitations of the three frameworks
5. Recite the DSM5 criteria for a brief psychotic disorder, schizophreniform disorder, and schizophrenia.
6. Explain what it means to be at clinical high risk for psychosis (CHRp) and list the criteria for the DSM5 designation of attenuated psychosis syndrome
7. Consider two common medical causes of psychotic symptoms that require unique treatment approaches: catatonia + autoimmune encephalitides

Cost is $20.