Intro Flashcards
Definition of a Mental Disorder
A mental disorder is a syndrome characterized by clinically significant disturbance in an individual’s cognition, emotion regulation, or behavior that reflects a dysfunction in the psychological, biological, or developmental processes underlying mental functioning. Mental disorders are usually associated with significant distress or disability in social, occupational, or other important activities. An expectable or culturally approved response to a common stressor or loss, such as the death of a loved one, is not a mental disorder. Socially deviant behavior (e.g. political, religious, or sexual) and conflicts that are primarily between the individual and society are not mental disorders unless the deviance or conflict results from a dysfunction in the individual, as described above.
Why would MFTs use DSM
- To guide their practice
- coordinate care with community agencies
- contribute research to field of psychology
- receive payments from insurance companies
Why would
School Counselors use the DSM?
- to guide their practice
- To be able to engage school staff in clinical conversations using differential diagnosis.
- To help connect your students with comprehensive, appropriate systems of care.
Mental Status Exam
Provides a rapid, subjective description of the client’s current mental functioning, and is based on clinician’s judgment from the moment the client enters office.
6 domains covered by WHODAS
– Cognition – understanding & communicating
– Mobility – moving & getting around
– Self-care – hygiene, dressing, eating & staying alone
– Getting along – interacting with other people
– Life activities – domestic responsibilities, leisure, work & school
– Participation – joining in community activities
5 AXIS OF DSM-IV
I. Clinical Disorders or focus of clinical attn.
II. Personality disorders/ mental retardation
III. General Medical conditions
IV. Psychological and Environmental Factors
V. Global assessment of functioning
