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.Preview Mode
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