Categorising mental disorders

• What is the DSM-5?

  The DSM-5 is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
• What is the main purpose of a diagnostic system like the DSM?

  To enable a suitable programme of treatment through correct identification of the disorder.
• Who produces the DSM?

  The American Psychiatric Association produces the DSM.
• What does the DSM contain?

  Descriptions, symptoms, and criteria for diagnosing mental disorders.
• How does the DSM facilitate communication among clinicians?

  It provides a common language for clinicians to communicate about their patients.
• Why is consistency important in the DSM?

  It establishes reliable diagnoses for research on mental disorders.
• When was the first DSM published?

  The first DSM was published in 1952.
• What significant change occurred regarding homosexuality in the DSM-III?

  Homosexuality was classified as a mental disorder before DSM-III.
• What was a key reason for changes in DSM-5?

  To better characterize symptoms of groups seeking clinical help.
• What are the major categories of disorders in DSM-5?

  • Neurodevelopmental disorders
  • Schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders
  • Bipolar and related disorders
  • Depressive disorders
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Obsessive-compulsive and related disorders
  • Trauma and Stressor related disorders
  • Sexual Dysfunctions
  • Sleep-Wake disorders
• What is differential diagnosis?

  Differential diagnosis is a systematic method to identify the condition causing a patient's symptoms.
• What does the term 'differential' in differential diagnosis refer to?

  It refers to making distinctions between different possible diagnoses.
• What is the first step in the differential diagnosis process?

  Rule out malingering and factitious disorder.
• What is the purpose of ruling out substance etiology in differential diagnosis?

  To eliminate diagnoses related to drug abuse or medications.
• What does the multi-axial system refer to in previous versions of the DSM?

  The multi-axial system was used to categorize disorders but has been eliminated in DSM-5.
• How does the DSM-5 differ from its predecessors in terms of disorder classification?

  It removes artificial distinctions between medical and mental disorders.
• What is the final step in the differential diagnosis process?

  Establish the boundary with no mental disorder.
• What are the steps involved in the differential diagnosis process?

  1. Rule Out Malingering and Factitious Disorder
  2. Rule Out Substance Etiology (Including Drugs of Abuse, Medications)
  3. Rule Out a Disorder Due to a General Medical Condition
  4. Determine the Specific Primary Disorder(s)
  5. Differentiate Adjustment Disorders From the Residual Other Specified or Unspecified Disorders
  6. Establish the Boundary With No Mental Disorder
• Weaknesses of DSM

  Reliability of diagnosis will vary as it is subjective

  Cultural bias as it does not take into account different cultures

  Focuses on symptoms over causes which limits treatment options

  Stigmitisation of labelling from being diagnosed
• Strengths of DSM

  Standardisation system for diagnosing mental disorders- good reliability

  Based on extensive scientific research

  Gives a clear criteria for diagnosis as disorders have detailed descriptions