Therapist Development Center Practice Exam 1

When sharing diagnostic information with a client diagnosed with bipolar disorder, what should the social worker prioritize?

1. Assessing the potential for future legal action.

2. Explaining which diagnostic category the client currently falls in.

3. Providing information on the specific behaviors that led to the diagnosis.

4. Only providing information that the client can handle.

The correct answer is: Providing information on the specific behaviors that led to the diagnosis.

In the context of sharing diagnostic information with a client diagnosed with bipolar disorder, prioritizing the provision of information on the specific behaviors that led to the diagnosis is crucial. This approach fosters understanding and contributes to the client's insight into their condition. When a social worker articulates the specific behaviors, it helps demystify the diagnosis, enabling the client to connect their experiences with the clinical criteria of bipolar disorder. This understanding can empower clients to recognize patterns in their moods and behaviors, facilitating self-awareness and subsequent management strategies. Additionally, it encourages open dialogue between the client and the social worker, promoting a collaborative therapeutic relationship. By focusing on behaviors rather than solely on technical diagnostic categories, the social worker ensures that the information shared is relevant and applicable to the client's lived experience, which can ultimately enhance treatment engagement and adherence. Prioritizing this kind of information also helps in demystifying the diagnosis, making it more relatable, and potentially reducing stigma the client may feel about their mental health condition. This knowledge can serve as a foundation for further discussions about treatment options, coping strategies, and the client's active participation in their recovery journey.