differential diagnosis

[Asterix]

What is the meaning of this term?. Is it a case of maybe having a different condition to one the sufferer is showing signs of? an example would be nice.

[johnep]

Basically it is when the diagnosis could be two or more differing conditions.

Eg The pt has a skin condition which looks dry and scaly, is it eczema or psoriasis? What are the differing diagnostic signs to look for.

Pt has spots, could it be measles, chicken pox or meningitis?
johnep

[Asterix]

Basically it is when the diagnosis could be two or more differing conditions.

Eg The pt has a skin condition which looks dry and scaly, is it eczema or psoriasis? What are the differing diagnostic signs to look for.

Pt has spots, could it be measles, chicken pox or meningitis?
johnep

so you have to classify the symptoms?

[johnep]

Get a copy of the Oxford handbook of clinical medicine.
johnep

[Shwampa]

A good example is using the DSMR-IV for psychiatric diagnosis.