Underlying Structures of the Classification and Diagnosis of Mental Disorders

Question 1

What are the two underlying structures of classification and diagnosis of mental disorders?

Answer 1

• Categorical Approach
• Dimensional Approach

Question 2

Define the Categorical Approach

Answer 2

• There is an important qualitative difference between subjects that are members of a category, and those that are not.

Question 3

Example of the Categorical Approach

Answer 3

• Assigned a diagnosis of major depressive disorder; either the client has it, or does not have it.

Question 4

Define Dimensional Approach

Answer 4

• There is a quantitative difference among subjects, and all subjects can be arranged on a continuum to indicate their degree of membership to categories

Question 5

Example of Dimensional Approach

Answer 5

• Weight and Height are prime examples of the Dimensional approach