How to Describe a Clients Symptoms

          It is important to describe the symptoms that you client reports very specifically. So Morrison describes what a symptom is: “A symptom is any subjective sensation that makes the patient think that something is wrong. A symptom could be a pain, a hallucination, a feeling of anxiety, or any of many thoughts, feelings, or behaviors.” Describing the symptom the way the client experiences it; is not as simple as it sounds, because that means the clinician has to ask specific questions. Questions like: When do you experience the symptoms? Frequently? Sporadic? Have you noticed if anything triggers the symptoms? Can you do anything that will make them better or worse? Asking questions will help you and the client to determine what is triggering the symptoms, or rule out what isn’t, so that the symptoms can be worked through (Morrison, p.42).

            Clients that have serious mental illness can experience “Vegetative Symptoms.” This refers to, “Body functions that are concerned with maintaining health and vigor. Vegetative symptoms include problems with sleep, appetite, weight change, energy level, and sexual interest.” Information about a client experiencing “Vegetative symptoms” will need to be screened through a serious of questions in regards to problems with sleep, appetite, weight change, energy level, and sexual interest(Morrison, p.42).

            A good clinician will inquire further; so that they can make sure they get a full picture of the client and present an effective course of action. However, that is easier said than done, because clinicians today have a limited time to spend with their clients.

References

 

Morrison, J., (2008). The First Interview. (3^rd Ed.). New York, NY: Guilford Press.