Diagnosis of elderly clients may pose multiple challenges. Coupled with other symptoms from age and/or medical conditions, psychologists may encounter complications in making an accurate, differential diagnosis between neurocognitive disorders and psychological disorders. For example, as neurocognitive disorders involve a deficit or dysfunction in cognition, psychologists need eliminate alternate possibilities for the neurocognitive impairment to make an accurate diagnosis.

For this Discussion, consider various complications that may arise with diagnoses of elderly clients. Select one neurocognitive impairment (delirium, Alzheimer’s disease, or a vascular based neurocognitive disorder) and one psychological disorder and consider the factors that may influence an accurate differential diagnosis in elderly clients. Then, consider how medications for elderly clients may complicate an accurate diagnosis.

With these thoughts in mind:

A description of the neurocognitive impairment and the psychological disorder you selected. Then describe three factors you must consider in making a differential diagnosis and explain why. Finally, explain how medications for elderly clients may complicate an accurate diagnosis.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources and current literature.

Resources

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
  • Neurodevelopmental and Neurocognitive Disorders
  • Disruptive, Impulse-Control
  • Conduct Disorders
  • Elimination Disorders

• Paris, J. (2015). The intelligent clinician’s guide to the DSM-5 (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Oxford University Press..
  • Chapter 12, Neurodevelopmental and Disruptive Behavioral Disorders

• Gresham, F. M., Watson, T. S., & Skinner, C. H. (2001). Functional behavioral assessment: Principles, procedures, and future directions. School Psychology Review, 30(2), 156–172. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

• Grzadzinski, R., Huerta, M., & Lord, C. (2013). DSM-5 and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs): An opportunity for identifying ASD subtypes. Molecular Autism, 4(1), 1–6. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

• Lord, C., & Jones, R. M. (2012). Annual Research Review: Re-thinking the classification of autism spectrum disorders. Journal Of Child Psychology & Psychiatry, 53(5), 490–509. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

• Ozonoff, S. (2012). Editorial perspective: Autism spectrum disorders in DSM-5—An historical perspective and the need for change. Journal Of Child Psychology & Psychiatry, 53(10), 1092–1094. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

• Volkmar, F. R., & Reichow, B. (2013). Autism in DSM-5: Progress and challenges. Molecular Autism, 4(1), 1–6. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
• Addington, A., & Rapoport, J. (2012). Annual research review: Impact of advances in genetics in understanding developmental psychopathology. Journal Of Child Psychology And Psychiatry, And Allied Disciplines, 53(5), 510–518. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases

• Bambara, L. M., Mitchell-Kvacky, N. A., & Iacobelli, S. (1994). Positive behavioral support for students with severe disabilities: An emerging multicomponent approach for addressing challenging behaviors. School Psychology Review, 23(2), 263–278. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

• Copeland, W. E., Angold, A., Costello, E. J., & Egger, H. (2013). Prevalence, comorbidity, and correlates of DSM-5 proposed disruptive mood dysregulation disorder. American Journal of Psychiatry, 170, 173–179. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases

• Duffy, M. (2003). Disruptive behavior: Systemic and strategic management. Clinical Gerontologist, 25(1/2), 91–103. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

• Hill, C. L., & Spengler, P. M. (1997). Dementia and depression: A process model for differential diagnosis. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 19(1), 23–39. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

• Jones, K., Young, T., & Leppma, M. (2010). Mild traumatic brain injury and posttraumatic stress disorder in returning Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans: Implications for assessment and diagnosis. Journal of Counseling & Development, 88(3), 372–376. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.