Understanding

Mental Disorders

Name: ISHITA ADHIKARI COURSE : B.A. HONS. PSYCHOLOGY

Roll number: PSY/22/78 YEAR/SEMESTER : SEMESTER 4 (2ND YEAR)

Assignment

Describe the 3 basic approaches of

classification with advantages and
disadvantages. Also explain causal
factors of abnormality.

Abnormal psychology is concerned with understanding the nature, causes, and treatment of
mental disorders. The topics and problems within the field of abnormal psychology surround us
every day. You have only to read a newspaper, flip through a magazine, surf the web, or sit
through a movie to be exposed to some of the issues that clinicians and researchers deal with on
a day-to-day basis.

The classification of mental disorders serves as a system for categorizing and naming various
psychological conditions. It provides clinicians and researchers with a common language and
shorthand terms to describe complex clinical conditions. This shared understanding facilitates
communication across professional boundaries and simplifies discussions about patients'
problems. In essence, it offers a structured framework for organizing and communicating
information about mental health issues.

Three Basic Approaches of Classification in Psychological Disorders

In the field of psychology, three primary approaches are commonly used for understanding
and classifying mental disorders: the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), the
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), and the Research Domain
Criteria (RDoC) by the National Institute of Mental Health of Classification in
Psychological Disorders.

1. The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) is a globally recognized

system used for classifying and coding diseases, disorders, injuries, and other health
conditions. The International Classification of Diseases (called ICD-10 because it is
now in its 10th revision) is produced by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Advantages :

Standardization: ICD provides a standardized framework for classifying diseases and health
conditions, ensuring consistency in reporting and data analysis across different healthcare
settings and countries.
Global Use: Being internationally accepted, the ICD allows for comparability of health
statistics between different regions, aiding in identifying global health trends, allocating
 resources effectively, and guiding public health policies.
Clinical Utility: The ICD offers detailed descriptions of clinical features and diagnostic
guidelines, assisting healthcare professionals in accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and
monitoring of diseases.

Disadvantages :

Lack of Specificity: While the ICD covers a broad range of conditions, it may lack specificity in
certain areas, leading to potential challenges in accurately capturing nuances or variations
within specific disorders.
Differences with DSM: The ICD and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders (DSM) may have discrepancies in classification criteria for mental health
disorders, which can create confusion or inconsistencies in diagnosis and treatment
approaches.
Complexity: The extensive nature of the ICD with numerous codes and categories can
sometimes make it challenging for healthcare providers to navigate and apply consistently in
clinical practice.

While the ICD serves as a valuable tool for standardizing disease classification, promoting
international comparability, and supporting clinical decision-making, it is essential to be aware
of its limitations such as lack of specificity in certain areas and potential differences with other
diagnostic systems like the DSM. Healthcare professionals need to leverage the strengths of the
ICD while being mindful of its drawbacks to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective
management of health conditions.

2.. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) provides all the
information necessary (descriptions, lists of symptoms) to diagnose mental disorders. The
current version, called DSM-5, was published in 2013. It is 947 pages long and contains a total of
541 diagnostic categories (Blashfield et al., 2014). This recent revision of the DSM has been the
topic of much debate and controversy.

Within DSM-5, a mental disorder is defined as a syndrome that is present in an individual and
that involves clinically significant disturbance in behavior, emotion regulation, or cognitive
functioning. These disturbances are thought to reflect a dysfunction in biological, psychological,
or developmental processes that are necessary for mental functioning. DSM-5 also recognizes
that mental disorders are usually associated with significant distress or disability in key areas of
functioning such as social, occupational, or other activities. However, there are some advantages
and disadvantages associated with the DSM:

Advantages:

Widely Used: The DSM is extensively utilized by clinicians and psychiatrists for diagnosing
mental health disorders.
Criteria for Diagnosis: It offers clear criteria for diagnosing various mental health
conditions, aiding in accurate assessments.
Updated Information: Includes updated diagnostic criteria and classifications based on
current research and clinical knowledge, improving accuracy in diagnosis and treatment
planning.

Disadvantages:
Cultural Sensitivity: The DSM may not adapt well to different cultural contexts, potentially
leading to misdiagnosis or overlooking cultural variations in symptom presentation
Overemphasis on Western Standards: Critics argue that the DSM is centered around
Western, middle-class, white male standards, which may not fully capture the diversity of
human experiences and expressions of mental health conditions
Complexity: The DSM's extensive criteria and categories can be complex and may not
always account for the full spectrum of symptoms or individual variations within disorders.

For example, the DSM-5, the latest edition, includes categories like anxiety disorders, bipolar
disorders, depressive disorders, and more. It has undergone significant changes over the years,
such as eliminating the multiaxial system and adding new diagnoses like prolonged grief
disorder.

3. Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) is a framework developed by the National Institute

of Mental Health that focuses on understanding the underlying mechanisms of mental disorders
through research organized into domains and constructs.

Advantages:
 Mechanism-Focused: RDoC emphasizes understanding the root causes and mechanisms
behind mental disorders, providing a deeper insight into the biological basis of psychiatric
conditions.
Organized Research: By categorizing research into specific domains and constructs, RDoC
enhances the systematic study of mental health, facilitating a more comprehensive
understanding of various aspects of mental illness.

Disadvantages:

Not a Diagnostic Tool: Unlike traditional diagnostic manuals like the DSM-5, RDoC is not
intended for direct clinical diagnosis, which may limit its immediate application in clinical
settings.
Shift in Research Focus: RDoC requires a shift from symptom-based to cause-based research,
which can be challenging as it changes the approach to studying and understanding mental
health disorders.

While RDoC offers a valuable mechanism-focused approach to understanding mental disorders

and organizes research effectively, its limitations lie in its non-diagnostic nature and the required
shift in research methodology towards causal factors rather than symptoms.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Classification
The classification of mental disorders refers to the process of categorizing and labeling different
psychological conditions based on their symptoms, behaviors, and other diagnostic criteria. The
classification of mental disorders plays a crucial role in the field of psychiatry and mental health
professions. However it has both advantages and disadvantages-

Advantages:
Objective Diagnosis: Classification systems provide standardized criteria for
diagnosing mental disorders, reducing subjectivity in assessments and ensuring
consistency in treatment approaches. Example: Using DSM-5 criteria, a psychiatrist
can objectively diagnose major depressive disorder based on specific symptoms
like persistent sadness, changes in appetite, and sleep disturbances.
Identification of Research Participants: Classification systems help researchers
identify individuals with specific mental disorders for studies, clinical trials, and
interventions. Example: Researchers studying the effectiveness of cognitive-
behavioral therapy for social anxiety disorder can recruit participants diagnosed
using standardized criteria from the ICD-10.
Support Identification: By classifying mental disorders, healthcare providers can
better identify the support and interventions needed for individuals experiencing
psychological distress. Example: A school counselor using DSM-5 criteria can
recognize symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in a student
and provide appropriate academic accommodations.
Common Language: Classification systems establish a common language among
mental health professionals, facilitating communication, collaboration, and shared
understanding. Example: Psychiatrists discussing a patient's diagnosis of
schizophrenia can rely on DSM-5 terminology to communicate symptoms, treatment
options, and prognosis effectively.
Targeted Interventions: Accurate classification of mental disorders enables tailored
treatment interventions based on evidence-based guidelines and specific diagnostic
criteria. Example: A psychologist using ICD-10 codes to diagnose generalized
anxiety disorder can develop a personalized treatment plan incorporating cognitive-
behavioral therapy techniques.

Disadvantages:
Reliability Challenges: Distinguishing between normal variations in behavior and
clinically significant symptoms can be subjective, leading to challenges in reliably
categorizing mental disorders. Example: Variability in interpreting the severity of
symptoms like mood swings may affect the consistency of diagnosing bipolar
disorder across different clinicians.
 Cultural Differences: Cultural norms and values influence symptom expression and
help-seeking behaviors, potentially leading to misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis
across diverse populations. Example: Cultural beliefs about mental health may
impact how symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are perceived and
reported within different ethnic groups.
Subjectivity: Some diagnostic criteria rely on subjective judgments by clinicians,
introducing variability in diagnoses and potentially affecting treatment decisions.
Example: The interpretation of vague criteria like "marked social impairment" in
diagnosing autism spectrum disorder may vary among professionals based on their
clinical experience.
Stigma and Misconceptions: Being labeled with a mental disorder can lead to social
stigma, discrimination, and misconceptions about one's capabilities or character.
Example: Individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia may face prejudice or barriers
to employment due to societal stereotypes associating the disorder with violence or
incompetence.
Influence on Employment: Diagnosis of certain mental disorders and associated
treatments may impact job opportunities, especially in roles requiring specific health
criteria or clearances. Example: Individuals with a history of substance use disorder
may face challenges securing employment in safety-sensitive industries due to
concerns about impairment or reliability.

Summing up, mental health classification systems provide substantial advantages in

communication, research, and organizing data. However, they also have downsides like
overlooking personal details, promoting stigma, stereotyping, and the possible harmful effects of
labeling individuals with mental disorders. It is essential to strike a balance between the benefits
of classification and the importance of being sensitive, respectful, and mindful of the related
drawbacks.

CAUSAL FACTORS OF ABNORMALITY

The causal factors of abnormality, also known as mental disorders or psychological disorders, are
complex and can vary greatly from person to person. When examining the causal factors of
abnormal behavior, various perspectives shed light on the complex interplay of biological,
psychosocial, and sociocultural influences. These factors contribute to the development of
maladaptive behaviors and psychological disorders. The key types of causal factors:
Biological Factors:

Genetic Defects: Chromosomal aberrations, faulty genes, and genetic predispositions to

specific mental disorders can influence abnormal behavior.
Brain Pathology: Diseases, malnutrition, injuries, and other conditions that disrupt normal
brain development and functioning can be potential causes of abnormal behavior.

Psychosocial Factors:

Cognitive Perspective: Abnormal behavior can stem from particular thoughts and behaviors
based on false beliefs.
Social-Cultural Perspective: Abnormal behavior is learned within social contexts like family,
community, and culture, influenced by cultural variables acquired through learning
processes.

Sociocultural Influences:

Sociocultural Influences: Various societal factors such as discrimination based on social

class, income, race, ethnicity, or gender can impact the development of abnormal behavior.
Multiple Causality: Most mental disorders result from a combination of factors from
different theoretical perspectives, known as multiple causality. The diathesis-stress model
emphasizes the importance of considering both predisposing and precipitating causes in
psychopathology.