Case formulation and management using pattern-based formulation (PBF) methodology: clinical case 1

Abstract

Objective: A tool for psychiatric case formulation known as pattern-based formulation (PBF) has been recently introduced. This paper presents an application of this methodology in formulating and managing complex clinical cases. Method: The symptomatology of the clinical presentation has been parsed into individual clinical phenomena and interpreted by selecting explanatory models. Results: The clinical presentation demonstrates how PBF has been used as a clinical tool to guide clinicians’ thinking, that takes a structured approach to manage multiple issues using a broad range of management strategies. In doing so, the paper also introduces a number of patterns related to the observed clinical phenomena that can be re-used as explanatory models when formulating other clinical cases. Conclusion: It is expected that this paper will assist clinicians, and particularly trainees, to better understand PBF methodology and apply it to improve their formulation skills.