Psychiatric Symptomatology in a Deaf College Population Affecting Diagnosis and Treatment

Abstract

As the mental health needs of the deaf receive increased recognition, issues of diagnosis and treatment become vital. Several characteristic behavioral patterns are frequently encountered which often confuse diagnosis, particularly in clinicians inexperienced with hearing-impaired individuals. These behavioral characteristics of suspiciousness, the use of odd or idiosyncratic language, difficulties in expression of affects, and acting out behaviors may create a tendency to overdiagnose serious mental illness. In addition, an understanding of the impact of deafness on an individual's personality development is crucial to an intelligent choice of treatment approach. These difficult issues of differential diagnosis and treatment are discussed in the context of the psychotherapeutic experiences of a hearing and nonsigning clinician working with deaf college students.