Psychology - Abnormal Psychology - Quick Guides | Psychology

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Study GuidePsychology–Abnormal Psychology1.Diagnosis of Psychological DisordersDiagnosing a psychological disorder is acareful and structured process. It is done by atrainedmental-health professionaland is never based on just one observation or test. Instead, the goal isto understand the personas a whole, including symptoms, background, and daily functioning.1.1How a Diagnosis Is MadeTo reach a diagnosis, mental-health professionals usually use several sources of information, suchas:•Clinical interviews•Personality tests•Sometimesneuropsychological tests•Background information, including medical history and life circumstancesAll of this information is then compared with criteria listed in theDiagnostic and Statistical Manualof Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), published by theAmerican Psychiatric Association.The DSM-IV (fourth edition, published in 1994) provides a standardized system for classifyingpsychological disorders. It lists16 major categoriesof disorders andover 200 specificsubcategories. The purpose of this system is to:•Improveaccuracy and consistencyin diagnosis•Base diagnoses onobservable behaviors•Keep diagnoses aligned with current scientific knowledge1.2The Five-Axis Diagnostic SystemThe DSM-IV uses afive-axis system, meaning the clinician evaluates the person onfive differentdimensions. A diagnosis requires judgments onall five axes, not just one.

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Study GuideAxis I: Clinical SyndromesThis axis includes most major psychological disorders, such as:•Anxiety disorders•Mood disorders•SchizophreniaThese are typicallyshorter-term or episodic conditions.Axis II: Personality DisordersAxis II includes:•Personality disorders•Intellectual disabilitiesThese conditions tend to belong-lasting and stable over time. A person can receive diagnoses onboth Axis I and Axis II, since personality disorders can exist alongside clinical syndromes.Axis III: General Medical ConditionsThis axis records anyphysical or medical conditionsthat may affect psychological functioning,such as neurological disorders or chronic illness.Axis IV: Psychosocial and Environmental ProblemsHere, clinicians notelife stressors, such as:•Family conflict•Job loss•Financial problems•TraumaThese factors help explainwhy symptoms may have developed or worsened.

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Study GuideAxis V: Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF)Axis V rates a person’soverall level of functioning, including:•Social functioning•Occupational performance•Psychological well-beingIt also considers thehighest level of functioning during the past year, not just the person’s currentstate.1.3Why Use a Classification System?Using a standardized system like the DSM helps mental-health professionals:•Communicate clearlywith one another•Chooseeffective treatments•Applyresearch findingsto real cases•Make informedpredictionsabout outcomesBy using all five axes together, clinicians gain afull pictureof the individual, not just a diagnosticlabel.1.4Limitations and Ongoing DebateClassification systems like the DSM are based onprofessional judgment, and theychange overtimeas new research emerges. Because of this, the DSM isregularly revised.Some examples of changes include:•Homosexualitywas removed as a mental-disorder category•Premenstrual syndromewas moved to the appendix and renamedpremenstrualdysphoric disorder, indicating the need for more research•The category“neuroses”has not been included since the 1980 editionThe term“psychosis”is still used for severe disorders such asschizophrenia, which involve:•Delusions•Bizarre behavior•Loss of contact with reality

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Study GuideKey Takeaway•Diagnosing psychological disorders is acomplex, multi-step process.•The DSM-IV provides a standardized framework usingfive diagnostic axes.•Diagnosis considers symptoms, personality, medical issues, stressors, and functioning.•Classification systems help professionals but arenot perfectand continue to evolve.Overall, diagnosis is meant to supportunderstanding, treatment, and care, not simply to labelindividuals.2.Classifying Psychological DisordersPsychological disorders are grouped and studied so that mental health professionals can understandthem, diagnose them, and treat them effectively. To do this, psychologists look atpatterns ofsymptoms. When certain symptoms regularly occur together, they form what is called asyndrome.The DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition) organizespsychological disorders into different categories. Below is a clear and student-focused explanation ofseveral major groups.2.1Anxiety DisordersAnxietyis a strong and unpleasant feeling of fear, worry, or nervousness. People with anxietydisorders often feel tense and on edge, even when there is no clear danger.Common symptoms include:•Motor tension: shaking, jumpiness, difficulty relaxing•Physical arousal: rapid heartbeat, dizziness, sweating•Mental distress: constant worrying or disturbing thoughts

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Study GuideMajor Types of Anxiety DisordersGeneralized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)People with GAD experienceconstant and excessive worryfor at least six months. This anxiety isnot linked to one specific event or object. Instead, it is ongoing and widespread—what Freuddescribed asfree-floating anxiety.Phobic DisordersAphobiais an intense and irrational fear of a specific object or situation, such as heights, snakes,enclosed spaces, or social situations.Examples include:•Acrophobia: fear of heights•Agoraphobia: fear of open spaces•Social phobia: fear of being judged or embarrassed in social settingsPanic DisorderThis disorder involves sudden and intense episodes of fear calledpanic attacks. These attacks mayinclude chest pain, trembling, dizziness, and a feeling of losing control. Panic attacks can last minutesor even hours.Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)OCD involves:•Obsessions: unwanted and disturbing thoughts•Compulsions: repetitive actions or mental rituals done to reduce anxietyFor example, a person may repeatedly wash their hands or check locks, even when they know it isunnecessary.Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)PTSD occurs after a person experiences a traumatic event. Symptoms include:•Reliving the trauma through flashbacks or nightmares•Avoiding reminders of the event•Feeling emotionally numb or uninterested in daily lifeThis disorder is common among war veterans and others who have experienced severe trauma.

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