Chapter 3: Classification and Assessment of Abnormal Behavior Flashcards
How does the DSM-5 classify abnormal behaviors?
DSM system treats abnormal behaviors as signs or symptoms of underlying disorders or pathologies.
What concepts are utilized when assessing if someone meets diagnostic criteria for a disorder?
Manual specifies minimum number of symptoms needed for a particular diagnosis
- Clinician determines whether the person’s symptoms match the DSM’s criteria
What is the categorical model of classification utilized in the DSM-5 and why is it considered controversial by some?
Based on a categorical model of classification.
- Yes–no type of judgment
Many disorders fall along a spectrum of severity without any clear criteria for determining the particular point along the continuum at which a diagnosis should apply.
What are culture-bound syndromes, and what are examples that are associated with certain cultures, and here in the United States?
Patterns of abnormal behavior that occur in some cultures but are rare or unknown in others.
May reflect exaggerated forms of common folk superstitions and belief patterns within a particular culture.
- Culture-bound syndromes in the United States include anorexia nervosa and dissociative identity disorder.
Why is the DSM-5 considered “reliable’? How is this explained?
- The system is reliable if different evaluators using the same system are likely to arrive at the same diagnosis.
- The system is valid if diagnostic judgments correspond with observed behavior, or predict the course the disorder is likely to follow (predictive validity).
- Evidence supports the reliability and validity of many DSM categories, yet questions persist about the validity of some categories.
What are some of the disadvantages/controversies with the DSM-5?
Disagreement about symptoms associated with some syndromes.
- Keep in mind there is often “overlap” with symptoms connected to more than one disorder.
- Example: Insomnia –> Depression, anxiety, PTSD, etc.
Reliance on the medical model.
The categorical structure.
- Yes/no approach, which relies on the clinician’s judgement.
The difference between behaviors and disorders.
- Not much description on the differences between each concept.
Stigma of labels.
- Sanism – The negative stereotyping of people who are identified as mentally ill.
Five major topics listed as parts of a typical clinical interview
- Identifying data
- Description of the presenting problem(s)
- Psychosocial history
- Medical/psychiatric history
- Medical problems/medication
Unstructured interview
Interview in which the clinician adopts his or her own style of questioning rather than following any standard format.
Semistructured interview
Interview in which the clinician follows a general outline of questions designed to gather essential information but is free to ask them in any order and to branch off in other directions.
Structured interview
Interview that follows a preset series of questions in a particular order.
Describe the approach of a behavioral assessment and why it includes a risk of reactivity?
Approach to clinical assessment that focuses on the objective recording and description of problem behavior.
Disadvantages:
- Lack of reliability, more emphasis on observer reports (not the patient).
- Reactivity – Patient may deliberately behave in a certain manner to influence the interpretation/results, usually because there’s an ulterior motive.
Why is self-monitoring different from behavioral assessment? Are there other differences?
Process of observing or recording one’s own behaviors, thoughts, or emotions.
- Can produce highly accurate measurement because the behavior is recorded as it occurs.
- Disadvantage is that some clients are unreliable and do not keep accurate records.
When are behavior rating scales typically used, and what information is produced?
- A checklist that provides information about the frequency, intensity, and range of problem behaviors.
- Often used by parent to assess children’s problem behaviors.
The electroencephalograph (EEG)
A record of electrical activity of the brain. Brain wave patterns are associated with mental states such as relaxation and sleep, and also with psychological disorders and brain damage.
Used to examine brain wave patterns associated with psychological disorders and brain damage
The computed tomography (CT) scan
Radiation is measured from multiple angles.
Computer enables scientists to integrate measurements into a three-dimensional picture of brain.
The CT scan reveals structural abnormalities in the brain that may be implicated in various patterns of abnormal behavior.
