Explanation of information obtained from a clinical assessment
A clinical formulation, also known as case formulation and problem formulation, is a theoretically-based explanation or conceptualisation of the information obtained from a clinical assessment. It offers a hypothesis about the cause and nature of the presenting problems and is considered an adjunct or alternative approach to the more categorical approach of psychiatric diagnosis.[1] In clinical practice, formulations are used to communicate a hypothesis and provide framework for developing the most suitable treatment approach. It is most commonly used by clinical psychologists and is deemed to be a core component of that profession.[2] Mental health nurses,[3] social workers, and some psychiatrists[4] may also use formulations.
^Bruch, Michael, ed. (2015) [1998]. Beyond diagnosis: case formulation in cognitive behavioural therapy. Wiley series in clinical psychology (2nd ed.). Chichester, UK; Malden, MA: John Wiley & Sons. ISBN9781119960768. OCLC883881251.
^Butler, Gillian (1998). "Clinical formulation". In Bellack, Alan S.; Hersen, Michel (eds.). Comprehensive clinical psychology. Vol. 6 (1st ed.). Amsterdam; New York: Pergamon. pp. 1–24. doi:10.1016/B0080-4270(73)00186-3. ISBN0080427073. OCLC38048834.