| Missing a diagnosis of depression |
| | The distinction between adjustment disorder (problems in coping with stress) and psychiatric illness (e.g., anxiety disorder, depression) is often unclear. It is easy to overlook the development of a depressive illness in patients who talk in terms of stress rather than depression.
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| Seeing stress as all bad |
| | The successful conquest of stressful challenges may lead to enhanced self-esteem, self-efficacy, and more successful coping patterns when faced with other life challenges.
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| Underestimating the contribution of personality issues |
| | Some people actively seek stress or set unrealistic expectations about their performance.
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| Accepting responsibility for solving stress problems |
| | Some people hope to dump their problems on the doctor. This is unrealistic. The doctor's role is to help patients control their own stresses.
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| Failing to get the patient to set appropriate goals. |
| Failing to capitalise on the patient's strengths. |
| Failing to treat other problems, such as alcohol abuse. |
| If stress symptoms seem unusually severe or prolonged, consider referral for specialist treatment (eg, to a psychologist with expertise in cognitive behaviour therapy).
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