Dimensional approach

Question 1

Dimensional approach

Answer 1

quantifies a person’s symptoms and other characteristics with numerical values on one or more scales or continuums to determine the severity of these symptoms, rather than assigning them to a mental disorder category.

Question 2

Dimension define

Answer 2

a cluster related psychological and/or behavioural characteristics that tend to occur together and can be measured.

· The numerical values are compared with the statistically ‘normal’ expected values for each characteristic.

· Lower scores equate to lower impairment.

· Higher scores equate to higher impairment.

Question 3

Key features of the dimensional approach

Answer 3

· A mental disorder is not considered in terms of whether or not it is present or absent. The person is graded in terms of magnitude, severity and degree in particular dimensions, rather than just assigning them into a diagnostic category.

· Inventories such as the EPQ-R can be used to produce a profile, a graphical representation of an individual’s scores on the dimensions that are measured. This approach is assumed to have high validity and reliability and is most commonly used to assess or classify personality disorders.

Question 4

Strengths of dimensional approach

Answer 4

· Doesn’t use single diagnostic labels, therefore **no loss of information about unique combinations of symptoms. **

· Can generate a profile of provide a detailed description of client’s mental condition. · Does not lump people into single diagnostic categories, instead **describes different dimensions. **

· Quantifying and grading can provide **richer and more detailed description of a client’s mental condition. **

· Reduces possibilities of stigmatisation.

Question 5

Limitations of dimensional approach

Answer 5

· Can’t be applied to most disorders in the DSM-IV and ICD-10, e.g. **mostly personality disorders. **

· Time consuming for mental health professionals to rate clients on dimensions.

· There is **not necessarily agreement on the number of dimensions and what they are. ** ·

• The wide range of symptoms people experience leads to a large number of potential dimensions associated with disorders.