Introduction To Psychiatry

Question 1

What is needed for something to be defined as a mental disorder?

Answer 1

Interference with personal functioning

Question 2

Give some pros of classfying psychiatric disorders.

Cons?

What would be a better alternative?

Answer 2

Allows for communication between clinicisans
Facilitates research and relate these findings to everyday practice.

Denies consideration of unique/ personal difficulties (not idiosyncratic)
Stigmatising
Arbritary categories
Deviant behaviours are labelled as illness

Dimensional classification - continuum between healthy and disordered - extremes lie the disorders.

Question 3

Name three study designs in psychiatry.

Answer 3

Family study (Shared genes and environment) 
Twins study (mz concordance of less than 100% means genetics are not the only factor)
Adoption study (Same gene in different environment)