Key Terms Chapter 16

Question 1

Categorical diagnosis.

Answer 1

Identification of a mental disorder in which the disorder is labelled; this is prone to lead to stereotyping.

Question 2

Dimensional diagnosis.

Answer 2

Identification of a mental disorder in which the disorder is described (especially in terms of severity); this is considered to reduce labelling and stereotyping.

Question 3

Disease.

Answer 3

A condition with a known cause, predictable course and standard protocols for treatment.

Question 4

Disorder.

Answer 4

A set of symptoms that interfere with daily functioning. Symptoms are reasonably consistent among patients but origins/causes may differ.

Question 5

What is the DSM?

Answer 5

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

Is a handbook used by clinicians and researchers to identify and classify symptoms of mental disorders.

Question 6

What is the GAF?

Answer 6

Global Assessment of Functioning: a subjective assessment by the psychologist of a patient’s level of functioning (expressed as a score out of 100, where 50 is ‘normal’).

Question 7

What is the ICD?

Answer 7

The International Classification of Diseases.

Has become the international tool for diagnosing most health problems, including both physical and mental illnesses.

Question 8

Multiaxial diagnosis.

Answer 8

The system employed in the DSM-IV-TR of diagnosing conditions according to give axes:

1. Major psychological disorder
2. Mental retardation and personality disorder
3. General medical conditions
4. Psychosocial and environmental problems
5. GAF - Global Assessment of Functioning

Question 9

Neurosis.

Answer 9

A disorder in which a person experiences dysfunctional thinking but realizes that the thinking is not rational.

Question 10

Psychosis.

Answer 10

A disorder in which a person experiences dysfunctional thinking and does not realise that the thinking is not rational - the person has lost touch with reality.

Question 11

Explain Rosenhan’s study.

Answer 11

(1973)

• Eight psychologically ‘normal’ people visited different psychiatric hospitals.
• All were diagnosed with a mental disorder.

New study

• Rosenhan’s tells hospitals he would send ‘fake’ patients.
• Of 193 patients, 41 were suspected of being fake by staff.
• In actual fact all were genuine patients.

Question 12

Syndrome.

Answer 12

A particular profile of symptoms. The origins and clinical severity may vary (Eg. Dyslexia).