Problems with reliability when classifying schizophrenia

Question 1

Name 4 problems with reliability when classifying Sz

Answer 1

1. Differences between DSM + ICD
2. Rosenhan showed lack of consistency in diagnosis of Sz
3. Cultural differences illustrate low inter-rate reliability in diagnosis
4. Many factors can influence consistency in diagnosis

Question 2

Why are the DSM + ICD inconsistent with each othe?

Answer 2

they both use different criteria to diagnose Sz

Question 3

What are the differences between DSM + ICD when diagnosing Sz?

Answer 3

DSM - 1 positive symptom for diagnosis

DSM - Dropped subtypes of Sz when DSM5 was published

ICD - 2 or more negative systems for diagnosis

ICD - recognise range of subtypes of Sz

Question 4

who illustrated low inter-rater reliability in diagnosis?

Answer 4

Copeland (1971)

Question 5

What did Copeland do?

Answer 5

conducted a study where…

194 UK psychiatrists + 134 USA were given the same description of a patient to diagnose

Question 6

What was copeland’s findings?

Answer 6

• British psychiatrists diagnosed Sz - 2%

- USA psychiatrists diagnosed Sz - 69%

Question 7

What is Copeland’s conclusion?

Answer 7

culture may influence diagnosis

Question 8

How did Rosenhan showed lack of consistency in diagnosis of Sz?

Answer 8

His study illustrates problems relating to agreement about symptoms that constitute Sz (inter-rater reliability)

Question 9

why is low inter-rater reliability of Rosenhan’s study bad?

Answer 9

The patients may not be receiving appropriate treatment