Diagnosing Psychological Disorders: Videos & Practice Problems

A psychological disorder is defined as a significant disturbance in cognition, emotion, or behavior that causes distress or impairment in functioning. Key criteria for identifying a disorder include maladaptive behavior, distressing symptoms, and atypicality within cultural context. Diagnosis involves a professional's assessment based on specific symptoms within a defined time frame. The DSM-5 and ICD-11 are essential diagnostic manuals that provide standardized criteria for consistent diagnosis and tracking of psychological disorders globally, although they are subject to ongoing research and revision.

Defining Psychological Disorders

A psychological or mental disorder is characterized by significant disturbances in cognition, emotion, or behavior that lead to distress for the individual and impair their functioning. To determine whether a behavior or thought qualifies as disordered, three main criteria are considered: maladaptiveness, distress, and atypicality.

Maladaptive behaviors are those that are destructive to the individual, affecting their physical, emotional, social, or occupational well-being. For instance, severe depression may prevent someone from leaving their home, jeopardizing their job and social interactions, which in turn exacerbates their emotional state.

Distressing behaviors are those that cause significant upset or danger to the individual or others. An example is hoarding, which can create unsafe living conditions for both the individual and their family, highlighting the potential risks associated with such behaviors.

Atypical behaviors deviate from what is considered normal within a cultural context or developmental norms. For example, a child with autism may show delays in developmental milestones, indicating a need for further evaluation regarding neurodivergence.

Diagnosing psychological disorders involves examining symptoms within a specific timeframe. For instance, anxiety disorders are often assessed based on symptoms occurring over a three-month period. It is important to note that there is no universally accepted definition of psychological disorders, as the understanding of these conditions evolves over time. However, most definitions consistently emphasize the dual components of distress and impairment in functioning, which remain stable across various conceptualizations.

Example 1

Determining whether a behavior or thought is disordered involves evaluating specific criteria that reflect its impact on an individual’s life. The first criterion is that the behavior or thought must be maladaptive, meaning it negatively affects the person in various aspects such as socially, occupationally, financially, or emotionally. This maladaptive nature indicates that the individual struggles to cope effectively with their environment.

The second criterion is that the behavior or thought is disturbing or upsetting to the individual. This aligns with the definition of psychological disorders, which often include significant distress or impairment in functioning as a key component.

In contrast, the third criterion suggests that the behavior or thought is typical within the cultural context, which is incorrect. Instead, disordered behaviors or thoughts are typically atypical or unusual when viewed through the lens of the individual's cultural norms.

In summary, the correct criteria for identifying disordered behaviors or thoughts are that they are maladaptive and cause distress to the individual. Understanding these criteria is essential for recognizing psychological disorders and facilitating appropriate interventions.

True or False: if false, choose the answer that best corrects the statement.
Psychological disorders are significant disruptions in cognition, emotion, and behavior that lead to impaired function and/or distress.

• A. True.
• B. False, psychological disorders must be significant and permanent.
• C. False, psychological disorders do not necessarily lead to distress or impairment of function.
• D. False, psychological disorders rarely involve disruptions in behavior.

Answer: (A)

Clarifying Terminology

In the study of psychological disorders, understanding key terminology is essential for clear communication and comprehension. One important term is psychopathology, which can refer to two distinct concepts. Firstly, it denotes the study of psychological disorders, as in the case of a professional like Dr. Dixon, who specializes in anxiety. Secondly, it can indicate the presence of a psychological disorder itself, such as when a patient exhibits signs of psychopathology, including symptoms like depressed mood and social withdrawal.

Another crucial term is symptom. Symptoms encompass a range of behaviors, thoughts, and emotions that may suggest the existence of a disorder. They can be reported subjectively by the individual experiencing them or observed objectively by others, including mental health professionals. It is vital to recognize that exhibiting symptoms does not automatically imply that a person meets the diagnostic criteria for a disorder. Many individuals may display symptoms associated with various disorders at different times, which is a normal aspect of the human experience. However, the presence of symptoms alone does not equate to a formal diagnosis.

The term diagnosis refers to the determination made by a qualified professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, regarding the presence of a disorder. It is important to note that a disorder can exist without an official diagnosis; however, when the term diagnosis is used, it signifies that a professional has evaluated the individual and concluded that a specific disorder is present.

By familiarizing ourselves with these terms—psychopathology, symptoms, and diagnosis—we can better navigate the complexities of psychological disorders and enhance our understanding of mental health.

Example 2

Understanding the terminology related to psychological disorders is essential in the field of psychology. One key term is psychopathology, which can refer to two distinct concepts. Firstly, it denotes the presence of a psychological disorder. For instance, when a clinician observes signs of psychopathology in a patient, it indicates that the patient may be experiencing a psychological disorder.

Secondly, psychopathology also encompasses the study of psychological disorders. Professionals in this field, known as psychopathologists, engage in research and analysis to better understand these disorders and their implications.

Another important term is diagnosis, which refers to a professional determination of whether a disorder is present. This process is critical for identifying the specific nature of a patient's condition and guiding treatment options.

Lastly, the term symptoms describes the behaviors, thoughts, and emotions that indicate a disorder. Recognizing these symptoms is vital for both diagnosis and treatment, as they provide insight into the patient's mental health status.

In summary, the interplay between psychopathology, diagnosis, and symptoms forms the foundation of understanding psychological disorders, enabling professionals to provide effective care and support.

While reading her psychology textbook, Andrea noticed that she sometimes experiences the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. Does Andrea qualify for a diagnosis?

• A. Yes, definitely, because her symptoms indicate the presence of a disorder.
• B. Yes, definitely, because she is using a reputable source to get information.
• C. Not necessarily, because getting a diagnosis requires analytical blood testing.
• D. Not necessarily, because having symptoms does not necessarily mean you meet the diagnostic criteria.

Answer: (D)

Diagnostic Manuals

In psychology, diagnostic manuals play a crucial role in ensuring that clinicians and researchers utilize consistent and unified criteria for diagnosing mental disorders. This standardization is essential for maintaining the integrity of medical diagnoses, preventing chaos that could arise from varied interpretations by different practitioners. Two primary classification systems are widely recognized: the DSM-5 and the ICD-11.

The DSM-5, or Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, was first published in 1952 and has undergone five revisions, with the latest edition being the fifth. Published by the American Psychiatric Association, the DSM-5 provides detailed diagnostic criteria, including specific symptoms, expected time frames for symptom manifestation, and additional relevant information such as typical age of onset, predisposing factors, sex ratios, and cultural considerations. This manual is predominantly used in the United States for both clinical and research purposes.

On the other hand, the ICD-11, or International Classification of Diseases, was introduced in 1948 and has seen eleven revisions. The World Health Organization publishes the ICD, which serves as a comprehensive classification system for all diseases, not limited to psychological disorders. The ICD-11 is widely utilized globally, primarily for insurance tracking and monitoring incidence and morbidity rates at both national and international levels. While the DSM-5 is favored in the U.S. for clinical settings, the ICD codes are essential for insurance purposes and contribute to global health data.

Both manuals offer significant advantages, such as facilitating consistent tracking of disorders and providing standardized diagnostic measures for practitioners and researchers. However, they also have limitations. The effectiveness of the DSM-5, in particular, is contingent upon the current state of research in psychological disorders. Although advancements in understanding these complexities have been made, the field continues to evolve, and both manuals will require ongoing updates and revisions as new insights emerge. It is important to recognize that while these diagnostic tools are the best available, they are not without imperfections.

As the course progresses, the content will primarily reference the DSM diagnostic criteria, underscoring its relevance in the study of psychological disorders.

Example 3

When considering medication prescriptions, healthcare practitioners must evaluate various factors based on individual patient circumstances. For instance, in the case of Joe, who presents with low mood and apathy, the practitioner should assess whether psychotherapy could be a viable alternative to antidepressant medication. This approach allows for a comprehensive evaluation of Joe's mental health and the potential benefits of non-pharmacological interventions before resorting to medication.

In another scenario, Michelle, who is pregnant and exhibiting signs of depression, requires careful consideration of medication safety. It is crucial to identify which antidepressants have been tested for safety during pregnancy and to weigh the risks and benefits for both the mother and the developing fetus. This ensures that any prescribed medication does not adversely affect either party.

Lastly, Kathleen, who experiences anxiety and wishes to take Xanax, presents a unique challenge due to her occupation in construction, where she operates heavy machinery. The practitioner must be mindful of the sedative effects commonly associated with anti-anxiety medications, such as drowsiness. It is essential to monitor Kathleen's response to the medication closely and adjust the dosage as necessary to mitigate any risks associated with her job responsibilities.

In summary, practitioners should consider the appropriateness of therapy versus medication, the safety of medications during pregnancy, and the potential side effects of prescribed medications in relation to a patient's lifestyle and occupational hazards. These considerations are vital in ensuring effective and safe treatment plans tailored to individual needs.

What does the "5" stand for in DSM-5?

• A. It describes the five categories of mental illness covered in the manual.
• B. It is the edition number since the manual is continually revised and updated.
• C. It foreshadows the five criteria given for each disorder: name, age, prevalence, symptoms, & treatment.
• D. It denotes that this edition of the DSM was released in 2005.

Answer: (B)

Which of the following is the primary aim of the DSM-5?

• A. To provide disease descriptions for insurance companies to assess payment and keep accurate records.
• B. To give descriptions of all types of illnesses.
• C. To set the standard of what is normal and what is abnormal.
• D. To provide diagnostic categories for mental disorders for clinicians and researchers.

Answer: (D)

Here’s what students ask on this topic:

What are the key criteria for diagnosing a psychological disorder?

The key criteria for diagnosing a psychological disorder include three main components: maladaptive behavior, distress, and atypicality. Maladaptive behavior refers to actions or thoughts that are destructive to the individual or others, such as difficulty maintaining a job due to severe depression. Distress involves emotional or physical suffering caused by the behavior, which may also pose danger to the individual or others, like unsafe living conditions due to hoarding. Atypicality considers whether the behavior deviates from cultural or developmental norms, such as delayed developmental milestones in children. These criteria help professionals determine if a behavior or thought pattern has reached the level of a diagnosable disorder. However, it’s important to note that these criteria are applied within a specific time frame and cultural context to ensure accurate diagnosis.

What is the difference between the DSM-5 and ICD-11 in diagnosing psychological disorders?

The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) and ICD-11 (International Classification of Diseases) are both diagnostic tools, but they differ in scope and usage. The DSM-5, published by the American Psychiatric Association, focuses exclusively on mental disorders and is widely used in the United States for clinical and research purposes. It provides detailed diagnostic criteria, including symptoms, time frames, and cultural considerations. The ICD-11, published by the World Health Organization, is a global classification system for all diseases, including psychological disorders. It is primarily used for tracking disease incidence and morbidity rates worldwide and for insurance coding. While the DSM-5 is more detailed for mental health professionals, the ICD-11 offers a broader, international perspective on health conditions.

Why is it important to use standardized diagnostic manuals like the DSM-5 and ICD-11?

Standardized diagnostic manuals like the DSM-5 and ICD-11 are crucial for ensuring consistency and accuracy in diagnosing psychological disorders. They provide unified criteria that help clinicians and researchers identify disorders reliably, reducing subjective interpretation. This consistency is essential for effective treatment planning, communication among professionals, and advancing research. Additionally, these manuals facilitate global tracking of disease prevalence and morbidity, aiding public health initiatives. For example, the ICD-11 is used internationally to monitor health trends, while the DSM-5 is widely used in the U.S. for clinical and research purposes. Despite their limitations, such as being reliant on current research, these manuals represent the best tools available for understanding and addressing mental health conditions.

What is the role of cultural context in diagnosing psychological disorders?

Cultural context plays a significant role in diagnosing psychological disorders because behaviors and thoughts are often influenced by cultural norms and values. What is considered atypical or maladaptive in one culture may be normal in another. For example, certain spiritual practices or expressions of grief might be misinterpreted as symptoms of a disorder if cultural context is not considered. Diagnostic manuals like the DSM-5 include cultural considerations to help clinicians differentiate between culturally appropriate behaviors and those indicative of a disorder. This ensures that diagnoses are accurate and respectful of the individual’s background. Understanding cultural context also helps avoid overdiagnosis or misdiagnosis, promoting more effective and culturally sensitive treatment plans.

What is the difference between symptoms and a diagnosis in psychological disorders?

Symptoms are observable behaviors, thoughts, or emotions that may indicate the presence of a psychological disorder. They can be subjectively reported by the individual or objectively observed by others. However, having symptoms does not necessarily mean a person meets the diagnostic criteria for a disorder. A diagnosis is a formal determination made by a qualified professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, based on standardized criteria like those in the DSM-5 or ICD-11. Diagnosis involves evaluating the severity, duration, and impact of symptoms on the individual’s functioning. This distinction is important because many people may experience symptoms occasionally without meeting the threshold for a diagnosable disorder.