Chapter 16 - Diagnosing Mental Disorders

Question 1

Disorder

Answer 1

A set of symptoms that interfere with daily functioning (symptoms are reasonably consistent among patients but origins/causes may differ).

Question 2

What does DSM stand for?

Answer 2

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

Question 3

What does ICD stand for?

Answer 3

International Classification of Diseases.

Question 4

Explain the DSM.

Answer 4

It is a handbook that is used by clinicians and researchers to identify and classify symptoms of mental disorders.

Question 5

What doesn’t the DSM do?

Answer 5

• Tell you how to treat a mental disorder.

- Specify the cause of a mental disorder.

Question 6

What is the ICD produced by?

Answer 6

World Health Organisation.

Question 7

What has the ICD become?

Answer 7

The international tool for diagnosing most health problems, including physical and mental illnesses.

Question 8

List and give an example of each of the axes of the DSM-IV-TR.

Answer 8

Axis 1: Clinical disorders (Eg. ADHD).
Axis 2: Mental retardation and personality disorders (Eg. Mood swings).
Axis 3: General medical conditions (Eg. Cancer).
Axis 4: Psychosocial and environmental problems (Eg. Isolation, unemployment etc.).
Axis 5: General Assessment of Functioning (Eg. 90=good; 20=bad).

Question 9

List and explain five criticisms of the DSM.

Answer 9

1. Cultural variation: Based on American culture, tradition and mores.
2. Validity of categories: Precise and specific description may not truly reflect a disorder.
3. Writing by committee: Persuasive committee members may have a disproportionate influence on the committee listing the diagnostic criteria for a particular disorder.
4. Subjectivity: People may not disclose subjective feelings and may also be indifferent to or unaware of their condition.
5. Health insurance: Health insurance companies can have too much influence in USA.