DSM V DIAGNOSIS LIMITS
It should be noted that only severe DSM axis I disorders are considered for LPS conservatorship. Those include:
Bipolar Disorder
Schizophrenia
Psychosis
Major Depressive Disorder
Axis I disorders that are not included are:
ADHD
OCD
Tourette's
GAD
Phobias
Axis II disorders such as borderline personality disorder, dissociative disorder are not considered for LPS conservatorship. If there is an Axis II disorder that has been in the record for a long time the best approach is to tie in the psychiatric symptoms to that of the Axis I disorder.
Alcoholism and substance abuse are common co occurring disorders that many people with Axis I disorders have on their record. However, those tend to be dispositive as the public conservator/guardian will dismiss the diagnosis and refer to rehab and counseling. If this is the case minimize the substance abuse and focus intently on the psychiatric Axis I diagnosis.
The same goes for Autism Spectrum Disorder. Although it can sometimes be listed and most definitely cannot be the primary diagnosis. Patient's will be referred to Regional Center instead of getting the treatment they need. Even if it is listed as a secondary diagnosis, the public conservator/guardian will still fight to not have the LPS conservatorship filed.
Bipolar Disorder
Schizophrenia
Psychosis
Major Depressive Disorder
Axis I disorders that are not included are:
ADHD
OCD
Tourette's
GAD
Phobias
Axis II disorders such as borderline personality disorder, dissociative disorder are not considered for LPS conservatorship. If there is an Axis II disorder that has been in the record for a long time the best approach is to tie in the psychiatric symptoms to that of the Axis I disorder.
Alcoholism and substance abuse are common co occurring disorders that many people with Axis I disorders have on their record. However, those tend to be dispositive as the public conservator/guardian will dismiss the diagnosis and refer to rehab and counseling. If this is the case minimize the substance abuse and focus intently on the psychiatric Axis I diagnosis.
The same goes for Autism Spectrum Disorder. Although it can sometimes be listed and most definitely cannot be the primary diagnosis. Patient's will be referred to Regional Center instead of getting the treatment they need. Even if it is listed as a secondary diagnosis, the public conservator/guardian will still fight to not have the LPS conservatorship filed.