Case Formulation
A clinical hypothesis about the causes, triggers, and maintaining factors of a patient's psychological difficulties.
Full Definition
Case formulation is a core clinical skill that involves developing a comprehensive understanding of an individual patient's problems within a theoretical framework. It synthesizes assessment information to create a working hypothesis about how the person's difficulties developed, what factors maintain them, and what interventions might be most effective. A good case formulation connects presenting symptoms to underlying psychological processes, considers biological and social factors, and guides treatment planning. Different therapeutic approaches emphasize different aspects of formulation, but all involve moving beyond symptom identification to understanding the unique factors relevant to each individual.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate when used as a compound modifier; distinguish from diagnostic assessment.
In Context
- "The case formulation suggests that childhood trauma contributes to current avoidance patterns and relationship difficulties." — Clinical assessment
- "Treatment interventions were selected based on the cognitive-behavioral case formulation of the patient's depression." — Treatment rationale