Presenting Problem
A presenting problem is the initial symptom for which a person seeks help from a therapist, doctor, psychiatrist, or other provider.
What is a Presenting Problem?
Most people can tolerate a certain amount of physical or psychological discomfort before they seek help for a problem, and tolerance levels vary from person to person. The problem that finally motivates someone to seek professional help can provide valuable information about symptoms as well as possible treatments. For example, a person with anxiety who seeks help only when he/she begins having panic attacks conveys to his/her treatment provider that the panic attacks are the most worrisome problem–in this case, panic attacks are the presenting problem.
Presenting Problems and Diagnoses
A presenting problem is not necessarily the most serious problem, or even the one that will lead to the most accurate diagnosis. In many cases, the presenting problem could indicate a host of different conditions and does not provide enough information to get a correct diagnosis. For this reason, doctors, therapists, and other health professionals typically take an inventory of symptoms to determine if they can find any important clues to help diagnose a patient. For example, when a person goes to the doctor complaining of a rapid heart rate, the doctor might ask about his/her stress level to determine if the problem is a cardiac one or related to anxiety. While this can lead to a more accurate diagnosis, health professionals often take into account the presenting problem when choosing treatment plans. If a patient is most stressed about a rapid heart rate, the doctor might deduce that this is the first symptom that should be treated to help the patient feel better.
Sometimes mental health patients first present with physical problems. This is especially likely if a person is embarrassed about mental health issues or under so much stress that he/she starts experiencing physical symptoms.
References:
- Groth-Marnat, G. (2003). Handbook of psychological assessment. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
- The presenting problem. (n.d.). Changing Minds. Retrieved from http://changingminds.org/disciplines/coaching/process/presenting_problem.htm
Last Updated: 08-18-2015
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Zen
March 26th, 2018 at 7:49 AMI really love my boyfriend and scared to lose him. I always want to be by his side. I want to him to be safe, healthy and happy always. But I always keep hurting him. He keeps trying giving time to me which I really appreciate but whenever he doesn’t call me I get really angry. I don’t where these thoughts come from. I think a lot negative. I feel like he doesn’t want to talk to me even if he gives me a valid reason.At first I didn’t trust him much but now I know he’s the best for me. I always had trust issues in past because everyone around me were cheated so whenever he doesn’t reply me I immediately check his messenger because he once talked with his ex. I’m over obsessed and overprotective about him. I’m too clingy and I always nag him and focus on negative. I really want to take care of him because if I lost him I’m scared there will be no one to look after him. I really want things to work out between us. Please help me
Evelyn
June 24th, 2020 at 6:09 AMTake time to know yourself. I definitely know you know where your insecurities stem. Be honest with yourself and heal.
Me
March 9th, 2022 at 5:20 PMYou need to see a therapist. I mean that both kindly and sincerely. It will help you.
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