In order to accurately diagnose a disorder, there are several things that must be considered. The first is observing whether any signs or symptoms of social disfunction are present in the individual. These could include problems at work, school, in the community, or at home in fulfilling any responsibilities or having repeated conflicts. Secondly, the history of the individual's problem must be considered. Examine the initiation, development, and ramifications of the disorder in order to see to what extent it is interfering with the individual and the people around the individual. Also, explore the degree to which the individual is able to function, as well as how and why he/or she is looking for medical help. It is especially important to know the types, amounts, and length of use, as well as the results and damage caused by it. With this knowledge, diagnosing and treating the individual will be easier. It is also easier to explore previous episodes with psychiatric symptoms and understand the manner in which a client deals with his/or her symptoms and other forms of treatment. Several question can be asked of the individual in order to obtain this information: Have you ever previously experienced these feelings? If yes, how did you handle the situation? Did you purposefully try to cope with it? What way(s) of coping failed and what worked? Were you placed in a hospital? Did the hospital experience help?