Professional
Technical
IVT
Differential Diagnosis
List of possible diagnoses being considered based on presenting symptoms and clinical findings.
Full Definition
The differential diagnosis represents the clinician's systematic consideration of multiple potential diagnoses that could explain the patient's symptoms. This process involves ruling out conditions with similar presentations through additional assessment, testing, or treatment response. Documentation typically lists diagnoses in order of likelihood and explains the reasoning for inclusion or exclusion. This differs from a working diagnosis (most likely explanation) or provisional diagnosis (preliminary assessment).
Usage
Usage note: Lowercase unless beginning sentence; often abbreviated as 'differential' in clinical notes.
In Context
- "The differential diagnosis included major depressive disorder, adjustment disorder, and hypothyroidism." — Clinical assessment report
- "Additional psychological testing was ordered to clarify the differential diagnosis between bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder." — Consultation note
Also known as
differential
Contrasted with
definitive diagnosis
Don't confuse with
working diagnosis
provisional diagnosis
rule-out diagnosis