← All layers

Diagnostic reasoning

Turning what you see into a differential — the short list of conditions still in play. Built from illness scripts, problem representation, and the fast/slow thinking behind a first read.

1. 1

   Illness Scripts

   Experts keep clinical knowledge as **typical patterns**, called illness scripts. They diagnose by matching the case to a script — not by checking off facts one by one.

   Learn →
2. 2

   Dual-Process Thinking

   Your mind solves a case two ways: **fast pattern-matching** and **slow step-by-step thinking**. Most of the skill is knowing when to lean on each — and knowing that slowing down cannot fix what you simply do not know.

   Learn →
3. 3

   What Is · What It Means · What Should Be

   Keep three things apart: **what you see**, what it means, and what you want. Set the goal as the flip side of the problem.

   Learn →
4. 4

   Developmental Framing

   The same sign means different things at different ages. So you check every observation against what is **normal for that age** before you call it a problem.

   Learn →
5. 5

   Inductive & Deductive Reasoning in the MSE

   Reasoning runs two ways. **Inductive** builds ideas up from what you see. **Deductive** tests one idea against its rules. Always know which way you are going.

   Learn →
6. 6

   Risk Formulation, Not a Checklist

   Risk is a **working story** that drives a plan — not a one-time score you read off a scale.

   Learn →