Cognitive-Behavior Approach - Essay Example

The formulation is, therefore, different from the diagnosis despite their similarities. The formulation is an essential practice in clinical psychology, as discussed in the essay below. CBT is a type of formulation that exemplifies the differences between formulation and diagnosis. It refers to an effectively planned series of actions and psychological therapies to redress social phobia. Social phobia is psychological that results in fear of socialization. Social phobic people do not relate easily with others, which impairs their development.

Case formulation refers to developing a hypothesis about a patient’s psychological condition. This requires the practical analysis and understanding of a patient’s interpersonal, behavioural and psychological problems. The evaluation and determination of the same rely on the doctor’s ability to study and observe the particular features that would help determine the same. The evaluation process follows distinct stages, with the doctor assessing specific characteristics about the patient that will help portray the inconsistencies and contradictions in the psychological patterns of the patient, thereby developing a constructive conclusion and determination of the patient’s condition.

On the other hand, the cognitive-behaviour approach employs two fundamental tools in assessing and developing a treatment plan for the patient. The approach evaluates both the cognitive abilities and the behaviour of the patient. Behavioural observation involves an in-depth analysis of the patient's actions (Chan, Felson, Yood & Walker, 1994). The doctor evaluates the ability of a patient to make decisions by analyzing his behaviours. Coupled with the analysis of the cognitive skills, the process thus becomes all-inclusive as the doctor engages the patient extensively, thereby making informed formulation. The approach is more effective since the mental development of an individual easily manifests in their behaviour. Observing inconsistencies in the behaviours of a patient is easier and helps expedite the case formulation process (DeLamater & Myers, 2011).

Rosenberg & Turner (1990) explain that during the consultative case formulation processes, the clinicians must understand that the patient may pose a threat to them and must therefore exhibit caution while interacting with such characters. Additionally, clinicians must understand the impact of others on self, personal prejudices and the importance of diversity (Engel, 1977). As discussed earlier, the patients exhibit a degree of difference depending on their psychological condition and the degree of infection. Using experience may prove fundamental, but the clinician must desist from making similar decisions without analyzing the diversity presented by a different patient (Crisp & Turner, 2010). 

The two practical approaches to case formulation include cognitive and cognitive-behavioural approaches, which have particular relevance in practice. As the name suggests, the cognitive course investigates a patient's ability to remember occurrences. This makes the process extremely interactive as the doctor engages the patient in discussions to determine both inconsistencies and contradictions. Flaherty (2008) explains that the doctor may begin with simple questions such as the patient's name and the names of his or her family members. The process heightens after that as the doctor starts investigating and asking more serious questions that help test the mental alertness of the patients. Throughout the process, the doctor makes observations, thereby developing a report at the end of the evaluation relating to the patient's mental status (Chatterjee & Hevner, 2010).

The above explanation describes the nature and practices involved in case formulation. This differs from medical diagnosis, which refers to the process used by doctors to determine disease in a patient. Medical diagnosis is an equally multi-staged process that begins with evaluating the patient’s description of his or her condition (Marshall, 1998). The clinician moves from his broad clinical diagnostic decisions as the patient begins describing his feelings and discomfort. From the general assumption, the clinician minimizes the list by observing the symptoms in the patient's body. From the observation of the patient, the clinician can make preliminary decisions concerning the disease (Carr & McNulty, 2006).

In retrospect, case formulation is a fundamental medical operation in clinical psychology that helps determine the patient's condition, thereby informing the nature of treatment for every unique case. The process investigates inconsistencies, redundancies and inconsistencies (Stainton, 2011). This helps make conclusive decisions on the patient's mental state, thereby advising on the appropriate treatment process.  Medical diagnosis, on the other hand, involves biological tests that prove the presence or absence of either a bacteria or a virus in a patient's blood, thereby causing the infection.