100151: Diagnostic Criteria in Clinical Settings: DSM-IV and Cultural Competence

About the Course:

This paper presents a case formulation of an American Indian client who presented depressive symptomology and a history of substance abuse. It attempts to demonstrate how the inclusion of cultural competence into the DSM-IV positively affects diagnosis and potential outcome. Note: This course material begins on page 52 of the article and adobe page 67.

Author

Michelle Christensen, Ph.D.

About the Authors:

At the time of this publication, Michelle Christensen, Ph.D. was a professor and researcher at the University of Colorado Health Services Center, American Indian and Alaska Native Programs, in Denver, Colorado.

Course Objectives:

1. To learn more about the use of DSM-IV in a cultural context

2. To show how psychosocial environments relate to levels of functioning

3. To demonstrate how a clinical case can be culturally formulated and explained