Psychiatric Classification/ Assessment Of Behaviour Techniques

Question 1

Four points about Psychiatric Classification from the Clinical Perspective

Answer 1

-identifying an illness
-assists with choosing treatment methods
-predicting prognosis (course of illness)
-efficient communication of information to professionals

Question 2

Two points about Psychiatric Classification from the Scientific Perspective

Answer 2

-provides a homogeneous sample for researchers
-allows for discovery of treatment development

Question 3

One point about Psychiatric Classification from the Patient’s Perspective

Answer 3

A label can bring relief to patients and their families.

Question 4

Give three points for why classifying conditions would cause concern.

Answer 4

-labeling leads to stigma
-errors in diagnosis tend to be harmful to the patient
-heterogeneity still exists across patients of the same condition. A classification can allow professionals to overlook unique differences across patients.

Question 5

What are the two major psychiatric classification systems used?

Answer 5

International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Health Related Problems (ICD 10) published by WHO.

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 (DSM 5) published by APA.

Question 6

What is the DSM 5 two main symptoms to consider for the diagnosis of depression?

Answer 6

Depressed Mood

Anhedonia (loss of interest or pleasure)

Question 7

(DSM 5) What are some somatic (body) symptoms of depression?

Answer 7

Sleep difficulties
Change of appetite/weight
Poor concentration
Fatigue

Question 8

(DSM 5) What are some Non-Somatic symptoms of depression?

Answer 8

Depressed mood
Anhedonia
Feelings of worthlessness/guilt
Thoughts of Suicide/Death

Question 9

What arguments are there for the DSM 5 criteria?

Answer 9

-suggests an all or nothing method of diagnosis, which ignores severity of symptoms.

(Symptoms could be determined by using a depression scale, like Hamilton Depression Rating Scale.)

-the DSM 5 was designed for diagnosis and excludes treatment methods. It can solely be used for diagnostic purposes.

Question 10

What does the diagnostic descriptor “provisional” mean?

Answer 10

This is used when lacking sufficient information about the patient’s symptoms.

Means presumed diagnosis. Used after the name of condition.

Question 11

What does the diagnostic descriptor “unspecified” mean?

Answer 11

When a patient does not meet the specific criteria but symptoms being exhibited is showing significant symptoms (inserted before condition).

Question 12

What does the diagnostic descriptor “unspecified” mean?

Answer 12

When a patient does not meet the criteria but has exhibited significant symptoms within the given diagnosis. It is used before the name of the condition.

Question 13

What does the diagnostic descriptor “prior history” or “in remission” mean?

Answer 13

When the patient is not showing symptoms presently, but has been diagnosed with an illness.

Question 14

What are 5 tools for accessing behaviour?

Answer 14

1. Diagnostic interview
2. Mental status exam
3. IQ test
4. Psychological testing (objective and projective)
5. Neuropsychological testing

Question 15

Why is a Diagnostic Interview used as a tool for accessing behaviour?

Answer 15

Used to gather verbal and non verbal behaviour.

The goal is to gather sufficient information to arrive a diagnosis/treatment plan.

Rapport is used to gather accurate and genuine information.

Structured/semi-structured in format.

Question 16

What are the differences between structered and semi-structured interviews?

Answer 16

Structured:
Using a standardised questionnaires
Diagnostic interview schedule
Structured clinical interview for DSM (SCID)

Semi-Structured:
Using open ended questions to cover key topic areas, including:
Identifying information
History of complaint
Psychosocial history
Medical and psychiatric history (including substance abuse)

Question 17

Why is a Mental Status Exam used as a tool for accessing behaviour?

Answer 17

The MSE is an assessment of the patients current mental functioning, and is composed of clinical observations made during the interview. A brief screen of cognitive functioning is also involved.

Question 18

How is cognition assessed?

Answer 18

Involves brief screening of:
Orientation (time/place)
Attention
Memory
Visuospatial abilities
Language functions

Question 19

What is the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE)?

Answer 19

Often used as part of the MSE, involving
30-pt screening test (Folstein)

Screens of cognitive impairment

Question 20

Why is a Intelligence Testing used as a tool for accessing behaviour?

Answer 20

Wechsler Tests induce various subtexts involving:

Verbal comprehension
Perception
Working memory
Processing speed

This produces a Full-Speed Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ)

Question 21

Why is a Psychological Testing (Objective) used as a tool for accessing behaviour?

Answer 21

Objective psychological tests: access unambiguous stimuli (requires no interpretation)
-Minnesota Multi-phasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-2): 600 T/F questions & self-report
-Million Clinical Multi-Axial Inventory (MCMI): 175 T/F questions & corresponds to DSM and screens serious psychological problems.
-Beck Depression Inventory (BDI): 21-item self-report inventory.