Chapter 3

Question 1

Two key aspects of the adequacy of classification systems

Answer 1

1.) Validity
2.) Utility

Question 2

Validity

Answer 2

The extent to which the principles used to classify an entity are effective in capturing the nature of the entity

Question 3

Utility

Answer 3

The usefulness of a classification scheme

Question 4

Classification

Answer 4

• A central element to all branches of science and social science
• Classification can be based on a categorical approach

Question 5

Categorical approach

Answer 5

An entity is determined to be either a member of a category or not

Question 6

Dimensional approach

Answer 6

Classified entities differ in the extent to which they possess certain characteristics or properties

Question 7

Two broad dimensions

Answer 7

• Child psychopathology researcher Thomas Achenbach
  1.) Externalizing problems
  2.) Internalizing problems

Question 8

Externalizing problems

Answer 8

Acting out behaviour such as yelling, destroying, stealing, aggression, etc

Question 9

Internalizing problems

Answer 9

Refers to feelings of sadness, worry and withdrawn behaviour

Question 10

How do we classify people?

Answer 10

• A diagnostic system is a classification based on rules used to organize and understand diseases/disorders
• As applied to the symptoms of a specific individual, the classification system yields a diagnosis that concisely describes the symptoms that comprise the person’s condition

Question 11

Diagnostic system

Answer 11

A classification based on rules used to organize and understand diseases/disorders

Question 12

Diagnosis

Answer 12

The result of applying the decision-making rules of a diagnostic system to the symptoms of a specific individual

Question 13

The purposes of a diagnostic system for mental disorders

Answer 13

1.) Provide a concise description of essential aspects of the patient’s condition
2.) Reflect best current scientific knowledge of psychopathology
3.) Provide a common language for clinicians, researchers, and increasingly, patients to use in discussing mental health conditions
4.) Indicate possible causes of the current condition
5.) Indicate possible future developments in the condition
6.) Provide guidance on possible co-existing problems or conditions that should be evaluated
7.) Provide guidance on treatment options to be considered
8.) Provide a key term that can be used by clinicians to search the scientific literature for the most current information on the condition
9.) Provide a framework for determining reimbursement if health services and eligibility for special programs/services

Question 14

Emil Kraepelin

Answer 14

• Initially examined dementia praecox (schizophrenia) and manic-depressive insanity (bipolar disorder)
• In the past few decades, the approach to psychiatric classification has been augmented with elements of a prototype model

Question 15

Prototype model

Answer 15

Members of a diagnostic category may differ in the degree to which they represent the concepts underlying the category

Question 16

Developmental psychology

Answer 16

• Developmental psychopathology approach examines problem behaviour in relation to the milestones that are specific to each stage of development
• Underlies that biological and psychological systems are constantly changing

Question 17

Harmful dysfunction

Answer 17

The behaviours associated with a mental disorder are dysfunctional, and the dysfunction causes harm to the individual or to those around him/her

Question 18

Dyscontrol

Answer 18

The impairment resulting from a disorder must be involuntary or not readily controlled