Psychiatric Classification/ Assessment Of Behaviour Techniques Flashcards
Four points about Psychiatric Classification from the Clinical Perspective
-identifying an illness
-assists with choosing treatment methods
-predicting prognosis (course of illness)
-efficient communication of information to professionals
Two points about Psychiatric Classification from the Scientific Perspective
-provides a homogeneous sample for researchers
-allows for discovery of treatment development
One point about Psychiatric Classification from the Patient’s Perspective
A label can bring relief to patients and their families.
Give three points for why classifying conditions would cause concern.
-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.
What are the two major psychiatric classification systems used?
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.
What is the DSM 5 two main symptoms to consider for the diagnosis of depression?
Depressed Mood
Anhedonia (loss of interest or pleasure)
(DSM 5) What are some somatic (body) symptoms of depression?
Sleep difficulties
Change of appetite/weight
Poor concentration
Fatigue
(DSM 5) What are some Non-Somatic symptoms of depression?
Depressed mood
Anhedonia
Feelings of worthlessness/guilt
Thoughts of Suicide/Death
What arguments are there for the DSM 5 criteria?
-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.
What does the diagnostic descriptor “provisional” mean?
This is used when lacking sufficient information about the patient’s symptoms.
Means presumed diagnosis. Used after the name of condition.
What does the diagnostic descriptor “unspecified” mean?
When a patient does not meet the specific criteria but symptoms being exhibited is showing significant symptoms (inserted before condition).
What does the diagnostic descriptor “unspecified” mean?
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.
What does the diagnostic descriptor “prior history” or “in remission” mean?
When the patient is not showing symptoms presently, but has been diagnosed with an illness.
What are 5 tools for accessing behaviour?
- Diagnostic interview
- Mental status exam
- IQ test
- Psychological testing (objective and projective)
- Neuropsychological testing
Why is a Diagnostic Interview used as a tool for accessing behaviour?
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.
What are the differences between structered and semi-structured interviews?
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)
Why is a Mental Status Exam used as a tool for accessing behaviour?
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.
How is cognition assessed?
Involves brief screening of:
Orientation (time/place)
Attention
Memory
Visuospatial abilities
Language functions
What is the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE)?
Often used as part of the MSE, involving
30-pt screening test (Folstein)
Screens of cognitive impairment
Why is a Intelligence Testing used as a tool for accessing behaviour?
Wechsler Tests induce various subtexts involving:
Verbal comprehension
Perception
Working memory
Processing speed
This produces a Full-Speed Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ)
Why is a Psychological Testing (Objective) used as a tool for accessing behaviour?
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.
