The 4 Ds

Question 1

What are the 4 Ds?

Answer 1

Deviance
Dysfunction
Distress
Danger

Question 2

What are the 4 Ds used for?

Answer 2

To decide whether behaviour is abnormal and worthy of further investigation and diagnosis

Question 3

Deviance

Answer 3

the extent to which the behaviour is rare in society

if it is rare enough and deviant from the norm, this could suggest a clinical disorder is present

Question 4

Dysfunction

Answer 4

if the behaviour is significantly interfering with the person’s life, it may be a mental illness

clinicians must discuss all aspects of daily life to assess the extent to which this is disrupted (may not be immediately obvious)

Question 5

Distress

Answer 5

the extent to which the behaviour causes upset to the individual

differs between patients - subjective experiences are important

Question 6

Danger

Answer 6

2 key elements: danger to self and to others

intervention may be necessary

Question 7

What is the 5th D?

Answer 7

Duration

Question 8

Why might the 5th D be important?

Answer 8

(Duration)

symptoms must persist in order for it to be a mental disorder

patients might just be going through a distressing life experience e.g. grief

Question 9

How could decisions be made valid and reliable?

Answer 9

Diagnosis from someone else (a second opinion)

Standardised measures (like a scale, not just someone’s opinion)

Question 10

Is it subjective or objective?

Answer 10

Subjective - it’s the professional’s interpretation of symptoms

Question 11

What are the issues related to social control?

Answer 11

patients don’t have power over decisions about further diagnosis/treatment