Diagnosis

Question 1

What is a ‘Mental Disorder’

Answer 1

Affects daily life, significantly distressing, atypical behavior (based on cultural norms) duration of a set of syndromes

Question 2

DSM I & DSM II

Answer 2

written descriptions rather than criteria per say; psychoanalytically based (unreliable)

Question 3

DSM III & DSM III R

Answer 3

’80s. made it atheorhetical, more behavioral in description - criteria developed. (validity was questioned)
introduced multiaxial assessment and the Global Assessment of Function Scale

Question 4

DSM IV & DSM IV TR

Answer 4

Became more empirically based to increase validity

Question 5

DSM V

Answer 5

More empirically based

Question 6

Nomathetic approach

Answer 6

comparing the individual to a group (DSM & diagnosis in general)

Question 7

Ideographic approach

Answer 7

Focus on the individual rather than others

Question 8

Purposes for Diagnosis

Answer 8

Communication- with other professionals and clients
Assistance with Treatment planning - (theoretically) using diagnosis to help create distribute treatment
Insurance - for reimbursement

Question 9

Controversies Related to Diagnosis

Answer 9

Labeling (classification of disorders not people)
Categorical v. Dimensional system (having it or not)
Reliability (inter-rater reliability)
Validity issues (ex. Aspergers)
Cultural Issues
Gender Bias (ex. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder