I am a social worker and had a debate with a coworker today about the proper use of the word "stated" in therapy notes. She said (stated) that you must use quotations/a direct quote in a sentence when using the word "state." I have always summarized and used words verbatim using it. Which is correct?
Joe stated he was sad that he couldn't see his family today. Or....
Joe stated "I am sad I cannot see my family today." What about using said, disclosed, stated, revealed interchangeably w/ or w/o quotes?

Question

I am a social worker and had a debate with a coworker today about the proper use of the word "stated" in therapy notes. She said (stated) that you must use quotations/a direct quote in a sentence when using the word "state."  I have always summarized and used words verbatim using it.  Which is correct?  
Joe stated he was sad that he couldn't see his family today.  Or....
Joe stated "I am sad I cannot see my family today."  What about using said, disclosed, stated, revealed interchangeably w/ or w/o quotes?

anonymous · Answer

the first one is correct

anonymous · Answer

in fact both of them are

anonymous · Answer

with and without work one is paraphrased while the other one is a direct quote :)

anonymous · Answer

thank you! that's what I thought!   What about paraphrasing using synonyms?  
Joe was upset that he couldn't see his family today.

anonymous · Answer

also fine lol

anonymous · Answer

Thanks.  Shouldn't have doubted myself.

anonymous · Answer

ur paraphrasing so its all good, you are basically tking the idea/thought and putting it in your own words. its perfectly fine. but if you said the exact words then you must add quotations :)

anonymous · Answer

haha no you shouldnt have :P