Diagnosis of disorders

• What are the 4 D’s?

  1.Deviance

  2.Dysfunction

  3.Distress

  4.Danger
• What is meant by deviance when diagnosing an individual?

  If behaviour is seen as ‘rare’ or abnormal in society that is deviant from the norm

  or, if the behaviour is not within 2 standard deviations then it can be seen as statistically abnormal.
• What is a strength of using deviance when diagnosing and individual?

  It is often obvious to see which means clinicians are able to make a judgment easily. Statistical deviance can give an objective measurement of what is considered abnormal
• What is a weakness of using deviance when diagnosing and individual?

  Social norms can differ according to the location.
• What is meant by dysfunction when diagnosing and individual?

  If the behaviour is significantly interfering with the persons life and stops them carrying out daily activities
• What is a strength of using dysfunction when diagnosing individuals?

  Can be objectively measured to an extent with standardised questionnaires to determine how well they can function in society
• What are the weaknesses of using dysfunction when diagnosing an individual?


  -It is important to know how well the patient was functioning before the illness

  -Some people can be living with a mental illness and still function well in society
• What is meant by distress when diagnosing individuals?

  If the behaviour is causing obvious upset to the individual or close family
• What is a strength of using distress when diagnosing individuals?

  It is often clear when someone is in distress which means clinicians can see the point of view of the patient
• What is a weakness of using distress when diagnosing individuals?

  Not everyone can express their distress, some may suffer in silence
• What is meant by danger when diagnosing individuals?

  If the behaviours is causing danger to themselves or others
• What is a strength of using danger when diagnosing individuals?

  If the danger is deemed high, the person can quickly access support to prevent it
• What is a weakness of using danger when diagnosing individuals?

  Some behaviours are dangerous but not a symptom of mental illness and some behaviours are a symptom of mental illness but not dangerous.
• What was the 5th D that was added?

  Duration
• What is an evaluation point relating to subjectivity?

  the interpretation of the behaviour can be subjective so the clinician has to consider how the person perceives their symptoms could be completely different to other people.
• What is an evaluation point relating to reliability?

  All 4 D’s have to be explored thoroughly with the patients to be sure everyone is measured in a standardised way- ideally the 4D’s are used alongside the DSM or ICD