Chapter 8: Nosology

Question 1

Nosology def

Answer 1

Branch of medical science dealing with the CLASSIFICATION of diseases.

Question 2

Categorical Classification def (2)

Answer 2

(1) Someone who has that disorder is fundamentally different than someone who does not
(2) QUALITATIVE difference

Question 3

Dimensional Classification def (2)

Answer 3

(1) Present in everyone to varying degrees; think about things on a spectrum
(2) QUANTITATIVE difference

Question 4

Major nosological framework in developmental psychopathology

Answer 4

Categorical classification (DSM-5)

Question 5

We might say that the DSM-5 has a hybrid approach to classification, how so?

Answer 5

You have disorder or you don’t
BUT
Type of dimensionality when they talk about severity (mild, moderate, severe)
=> FUNDAMENTALLY categorical but elements of dimensional

Question 6

Categorical system characteristics (3)

Answer 6

(1) Professional consensus
(2) Medical model
(3) Discrete disorders with separate causes

Question 7

Advantages - Categorical system (2)

Answer 7

(1) Synthesis of information
(2) Aids communication

Question 8

Disadvantages - Categorical system (2)

Answer 8

(1) Children (and adults) often do not fit ‘cleanly’ into categories
(2) Current categories proving inadequate for genetic and neuroscience research

Question 9

Research Domain Criteria (RDoC)

Answer 9

Rather than using diagnostic categories, move towards assessing key dimensions (e.g. negative emotionality, temper loss…).
(also HiTOP)

Question 10

Advantages - Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) (2)

Answer 10

(1) Allows us to retain valuable information
(2) Provides a measure of severity

Question 11

Disadvantages - Research Domain Criteria (RDoC)

Answer 11

(1) Which dimensions? Becomes very complicated very quickly