Question

Why can it be difficult for therapists to correctly diagnose people with anxiety and depressive disorders?

1. Symptoms are seen only by people they have close relationships with.
2. Symptoms may also be normal reactions to everyday life events.
3. Symptoms are suppressed when in the presence of a therapist.
4. Symptoms are usually exaggerated in the presence of a therapist.

Answer 1

Diagnosing anxiety and depressive disorders can be challenging for therapists for several reasons, and the options you've listed touch on some relevant aspects. Let’s break down the points:

1. **Symptoms are seen only by people they have close relationships with**: This can contribute to difficulty, as some individuals may not disclose their symptoms fully in sessions or may not experience those symptoms in front of the therapist.

2. **Symptoms may also be normal reactions to everyday life events**: This is a significant factor. Many symptoms of anxiety and depression can be typical responses to stress, loss, or life changes, making it difficult to distinguish between normal emotional responses and clinically significant disorders.

3. **Symptoms are suppressed when in the presence of a therapist**: Some clients may feel pressure to present themselves in a certain way or may suppress their symptoms during therapy, making it harder for the therapist to recognize the full extent of the issue.

4. **Symptoms are usually exaggerated in the presence of a therapist**: While some clients might exaggerate symptoms, this is not universally the case and may not be the most common challenge in diagnosis.

Among these options, **2. Symptoms may also be normal reactions to everyday life events** is often the most prevalent challenge causing difficulty in diagnosis. It's essential for therapists to differentiate between typical emotional responses and disorders needing treatment. Each factor you've provided can play a role in the diagnostic process, but understanding the context of symptoms is crucial.