Validity of Diagnosis and Classification of Schizophrenia Flashcards
Define validity
whether you are measuring what you claim to
If DSM and ICD are valid systems to classify and diagnose Sz, they must…
- Define symptoms in a way that allows clear + objective diagnosis of Sz
- Define Sz in a way that practitioners can use consistently
- Define Sz in a way that makes it distinct from other disorders
Name the 4 issues that affect validity
- symptom overlap
- co-morbidity
- gender bias
- cultural bias
define symptom overlap
when symptoms of Sz are also symptoms of other disorders
what is ‘symptom overlap’ impact on validity?
Validity is reduced
because it makes it UNCLEAR to whether Sz should be diagnosed or not
define co-morbidity
When 2 mental disorders occur at the same time and share some of the same symptoms
what is co-morbidity impact on validity?
Validity is reduced
because it means that the disorders are not separate and distinct.
Could be that the symptoms are all part of 1 disorder
define gender bias in terms of the issue it has on the validity of the diagnosis + classification of Sz
When experience of males and females are not reflected equally.
Psychology had traditionally been male dominated
e.g male behaviour used as standards for comparison
what is gender bias impact on validity?
Reduces validity
because the view of normal and abnormal behaviour is DISTORTED
This suggests diagnosis is not objective
Some people may get wrong diagnosis of Sz or no diagnosis.
define cultural bias in terms of the issue it has on the validity of the diagnosis + classification of Sz
The cultural environment can influence whether symptoms are seen as abnormal.
what is cultural bias impact on validity?
Validity is reduced
because it suggests schizophrenia is not an objective measurable mental disorder across countries.
This suggests that where you are and the culture of the psychiatrists can affect whether a diagnosis of Sz is made.
