Unit 5: Classifying Psychological Disorders

Psychological Disorder

a syndrome marked by a clinically significant disturbance in an individual's cognition, emotional regulation, or behavior

Positive consequences of a diagnosis

-access to treatment and support

-allows for appropriate medication, therapy, and other treatments

-personal understanding and validation

-diagnosis provides relief and clarity to feel less isolated

Negative consequences of a diagnosis

-stigma and labeling, diagnosis carries social stigma leading to criticism

-cultural and social bias influence how symptoms are expressed and perceived

-discrimination and inequality can skew diagnosis, systematic bias in healthcare can lead to inaccurate treatments

Classification of Disorders

-disorders are classified based on distinct symptoms

-symptoms must meet specific criteria for duration

-condition must cause significant distress

-disorders are categorized based on age of onset, progression, and chronicity (acute v. lifelong)

-considers biological, psychological, and environmental causes