This video, Volume 2 in the DSM-5 Diagnostic Interviewing Series, covers four disorders common to clinical populations, with an array of symptoms that, at least in mild forms, everyone has experienced, simply in the course of being human. In Volume 1, Yalom and Buckles address the issues of subjectivity inherent in making diagnostic judgment calls, and they further this discussion at the beginning of each segment in this volume. They do not shy away from the potential political and monetary implications of “throwing the door too far open, or keeping the door too tightly closed.” This is especially evident in the ongoing debates of the nature and definitions of trauma and its damaging effects on humans in all walks of life.

Viewers meet three individuals and one couple, all accurately portraying the life struggles and important details that demonstrate what these clusters of symptoms look like when they reach a diagnosable level. Of course, the interviews are not perfect, but we learn from that as well. With humor and insight, Buckles and Yalom note the omissions and discuss what the interviewer might have done differently, or what the interviewer might do in the next session.

Also modeled in these vignettes are skills related to destigmatizing the symptoms and the diagnosis. Further, the interviewer demonstrates how to introduce the notion of continuing in therapy to address the disorder and improve the client’s overall mental health.

By watching this video, you will be able to:

• Recognize the symptoms associated with Adjustment, Panic, Generalized Anxiety, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorders.
• Gain skills in conducting a thorough diagnostic interview with clients experiencing the symptoms in question.
• Expand your knowledge of these diagnoses and related diagnoses in order to differentiate between diagnoses that share similar precipitating events or symptoms.