Assessment of patient attributes such as readiness to change
is integral to the use of motivational interviewing, an effective
substance abuse intervention when used by clinicians.18 Katon
et al. found that accurate diagnosis of comorbid depression and
anxiety disorders in patients with chronic medical conditions
was critical in the management of somatic symptoms.19
Similarly, Bower et al., in reviewing the treatment of depression
in primary care, found that accurate diagnosis was a key predictor
of treatment outcomes.20