Question

A social worker is treating a client who has recently been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The social worker plans on sharing the diagnostic information with the client. When doing this, the social worker should think PRIMARILY about:

A. Assessing the potential for future legal action.
B. Explaining which diagnostic category the client currents falls in.
C. Providing information on the specific behaviors that led to the diagnosis.
D. Only providing information that the client can handle.

Answer 1

The primary consideration for a social worker sharing a bipolar disorder diagnosis with a client should be to explain the behaviors leading to the diagnosis, in line with DSM criteria, ensuring the client understands their condition and feels supported in their treatment.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a social worker is treating a client with a recent diagnosis of bipolar disorder, the primary consideration should be providing information on the specific behaviors that led to the diagnosis. This involves explaining how these behaviors fit into the diagnostic criteria of bipolar disorder, referencing the standards set by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). This ensures clear communication and helps the client understand the nature of their condition, which is foundational for effective treatment planning and the implementation of interventions such as applied behavior analysis (ABA), medication options, or therapeutic approaches. In doing so, the social worker should be sensitive to the client's capacity to understand and process the information, aiming to foster a collaborative environment where the client feels supported and empowered in their treatment journey.