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Intro to Psychology
Table of Contents
Unit 15 Overview: Psychological Disorders
15.1 What Are Psychological Disorders?
15.2 Diagnosing and Classifying Psychological Disorders
15.3 Perspectives on Psychological Disorders
15.4 Anxiety Disorders
15.5 Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders
15.6 Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
15.7 Mood and Related Disorders
15.8 Schizophrenia
15.9 Dissociative Disorders
15.10 Disorders in Childhood
15.11 Personality Disorders

🥸intro to psychology review

15.2 Diagnosing and Classifying Psychological Disorders

Citation:

Psychological disorders are complex and varied, affecting millions worldwide. Understanding how they're classified and diagnosed is crucial for effective treatment and research. The DSM-5 is the go-to guide for mental health pros in the US.

This system provides detailed criteria for diagnosing disorders, from anxiety to schizophrenia. It's evolved over time, reflecting new research and changing views on mental health. While not perfect, it's a vital tool for consistent communication and treatment planning.

Classification and Diagnosis of Psychological Disorders

Classification Systems

  • Standardized approach to diagnosing and studying psychological disorders facilitates consistent communication among mental health professionals and research by providing common language and criteria
  • Identifies patterns and trends in prevalence and characteristics of psychological disorders guides treatment decisions by linking specific disorders to evidence-based interventions
  • Assists in predicting prognosis and understanding course of different disorders

DSM-5 Features

  • Primary classification system used in United States provides detailed diagnostic criteria for each recognized mental disorder including specific symptoms, duration, and severity required for diagnosis
  • Organizes disorders into categories based on shared features or presumed etiology includes information on prevalence, risk factors, and comorbidity for each disorder
  • Common language for mental health professionals to communicate about psychological disorders includes dimensional approach recognizing symptoms can vary in severity along continuum

DSM Evolution and Critique

  • Multiple revisions since initial publication in 1952 reflect advances in research and changes in understanding of psychological disorders
  • DSM-III (1980) introduced multiaxial system and more explicit diagnostic criteria DSM-IV (1994) refined criteria and added several new disorders
  • DSM-5 (2013) eliminated multiaxial system, reorganized and combined some disorders into new categories, added new disorders (hoarding disorder, binge eating disorder)
  • Controversies and criticisms include concerns about validity and reliability of some diagnoses, potential for overdiagnosis or misdiagnosis, debate over inclusion or exclusion of certain disorders, influence of pharmaceutical industry on development process

Prevalent Psychological Disorders

  • Anxiety disorders: generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, specific phobias (agoraphobia), social anxiety disorder
  • Depressive disorders: major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)
  • Bipolar and related disorders: bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder
  • Neurodevelopmental disorders: attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder
  • Substance-related and addictive disorders: alcohol use disorder, opioid use disorder
  • Trauma- and stressor-related disorders: posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Obsessive-compulsive and related disorders: obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Schizophrenia spectrum disorders: schizophrenia

Key Terms to Review (28)

Psychopathology: Psychopathology refers to the study of mental disorders, their causes, symptoms, and effects. It is a critical concept in understanding psychological disorders, their diagnosis, and the various perspectives on their origins and treatment.
Antisocial Personality Disorder: Antisocial personality disorder is a mental health condition characterized by a persistent pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others. Individuals with this disorder often exhibit a lack of empathy, disregard for right and wrong, and a tendency to engage in impulsive and sometimes criminal behaviors.
Etiology: Etiology refers to the study of the causes or origins of psychological disorders. It examines the factors that contribute to the development and manifestation of various mental health conditions.
Panic Disorder: Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and a persistent fear of experiencing future panic attacks. It is a mental health condition that can significantly impact an individual's daily life and functioning.
Borderline Personality Disorder: Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition characterized by a pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and emotions. It is a complex disorder that affects how an individual thinks, feels, and behaves, often leading to significant impairment in daily functioning. BPD is closely related to the topics of diagnosing and classifying psychological disorders, as well as the broader category of personality disorders.
ADHD: ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that can significantly impact an individual's daily life and functioning. This term is crucial in the context of diagnosing and classifying psychological disorders, as well as understanding the unique challenges and treatment approaches for disorders that emerge in childhood.
OCD: OCD, or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, is a mental health condition characterized by intrusive thoughts, obsessions, and repetitive behaviors or compulsions that a person feels driven to perform in an attempt to alleviate anxiety or distress. This term is closely related to the topics of diagnosing and classifying psychological disorders, as well as obsessive-compulsive and related disorders.
PTSD: PTSD, or Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It is characterized by persistent and intrusive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to the traumatic experience, which can significantly impact an individual's daily life and functioning.
Biopsychosocial Model: The biopsychosocial model is a comprehensive approach to understanding and addressing psychological disorders. It posits that the development and manifestation of psychological disorders are influenced by a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors.
Comorbidity: Comorbidity refers to the presence of two or more medical conditions or disorders that occur simultaneously in an individual. It is a concept that is particularly relevant in the context of psychological disorders, as individuals with one mental health condition often experience the co-occurrence of additional disorders or issues.
BPD: BPD, or Borderline Personality Disorder, is a complex mental health condition characterized by a persistent pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and emotions. It is a disorder that can significantly impact an individual's ability to function and regulate their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a mental health condition characterized by persistent and excessive worry about a variety of issues, such as work, health, family, or everyday life. It is a chronic and pervasive form of anxiety that can significantly impact an individual's daily functioning and quality of life. GAD is closely related to the topics of diagnosing and classifying psychological disorders, as well as the broader category of anxiety disorders.
Cognitive-Behavioral: Cognitive-behavioral is a therapeutic approach that focuses on identifying and modifying maladaptive thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors to improve mental health and well-being. This approach emphasizes the interconnected nature of cognition, emotion, and behavior, and aims to help individuals develop more adaptive coping strategies and problem-solving skills.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a mental health condition characterized by persistent and excessive worry about a variety of issues, such as work, family, health, or finances. It is a type of anxiety disorder that can significantly impact an individual's daily life and functioning.
ICD-11: The International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision (ICD-11) is a comprehensive system for diagnosing and classifying mental and physical health conditions. It serves as a global standard for reporting and categorizing diseases, disorders, and related health problems.
Emil Kraepelin: Emil Kraepelin was a German psychiatrist who is considered the founder of modern psychiatry. He made significant contributions to the classification and diagnosis of mental disorders, laying the groundwork for the modern understanding of psychological disorders.
DSM-5: The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) is the standard classification and diagnostic tool used by mental health professionals in the United States to diagnose and classify mental disorders. It serves as a comprehensive guide for understanding, diagnosing, and treating various psychological conditions.
American Psychiatric Association: The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is the main professional organization of psychiatrists and trainee psychiatrists in the United States. It plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and classification of psychological disorders, as well as in the development of treatment guidelines and standards of care.
Major Depressive Disorder: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities, often accompanied by physical and cognitive symptoms that significantly impair an individual's daily functioning. It is a mood disorder that falls under the broader category of depressive disorders.
Differential Diagnosis: Differential diagnosis is the process of identifying the specific condition or disorder a patient is experiencing by systematically considering and ruling out all possible causes or explanations for the observed symptoms. It is a crucial step in the diagnostic process within the context of psychological disorders.
ASPD: ASPD, or Antisocial Personality Disorder, is a mental health condition characterized by a persistent pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others. Individuals with ASPD often exhibit a lack of empathy, a disregard for social norms, and a tendency to engage in impulsive and reckless behaviors.
DSM-III: The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition (DSM-III) was a landmark publication in the field of psychiatry, providing a comprehensive and standardized system for classifying and diagnosing mental disorders. It represented a significant shift in the conceptualization and approach to understanding psychological disorders, with a focus on empirical research and a move away from the previous psychoanalytic model.
Epidemiology: Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations, and the application of this study to control health problems. It is a crucial field that helps understand the patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions in human populations.
Remission: Remission refers to a temporary or permanent decrease or absence of the symptoms of a psychological disorder, often to the point where the individual no longer meets the diagnostic criteria for that disorder. It is an important concept in the context of understanding the course and treatment of various mental health conditions.
Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings, including emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). It is a chronic and complex disorder that can significantly impact an individual's daily functioning, relationships, and overall well-being. This term is particularly relevant in the context of diagnosing and classifying psychological disorders, understanding different perspectives on psychological disorders, and examining mood and related disorders.
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities, which can significantly impair an individual's daily functioning and quality of life. It is a common and serious mental illness that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, often with significant physical and emotional consequences.
ASD: ASD, or Autism Spectrum Disorder, is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent challenges in social communication and interaction, as well as restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. ASD is a spectrum disorder, meaning it encompasses a range of symptoms and severity levels, and it is typically present from early childhood.
Aaron Beck: Aaron Beck is a renowned psychiatrist and the founder of cognitive therapy, a form of psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and modifying negative thought patterns to improve emotional and behavioral outcomes. His work has been instrumental in understanding and treating various psychological disorders, including depression and anxiety.