Classification systems: DSM-5

What are classification systems?

What are classification systems?

in psychology, are frameworks used to organize and categorize mental health disorders.

what do the systems provide?

These systems provide standardized criteria for diagnosing and understanding psychological disorders, enabling clinicians and researchers to communicate more effectively about mental health conditions.

Use of classification systems in psychology:

Diagnosis: They help clinicians diagnose mental health disorders by providing specific criteria.

Treatment Planning: They guide treatment planning by categorizing symptoms and identifying potential treatment options.

Classification System in Abnormal Psychology

it allows for the identification of patterns and commonalities among different disorders.

Small history of classification systems?

The development of these systems dates back to the early 20th century, evolving through various editions to incorporate the latest scientific research and clinical insights

types of classification systems

• DSM-5 (use in the essay)

• ICD-11: International Classification of Diseases, Eleventh Revision

• PDM-2: Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual, Second Edition

• RDoC: Research Domain Criteria

Why are classification systems important?

play a crucial role in the diagnosis, treatment, and understanding of mental health disorders. They provide a standardized approach that enhances communication, research, and clinical practice, ultimately leading to better mental health outcomes.

Primary classification used

These systems provide standardized criteria for diagnosing mental disorders, ensuring consistency and reliability in clinical practice and research. The primary classification systems include the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)

what does DSM-5 stand for?

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition

DSM-5

Published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), it is the most widely used system in the United States.

How does it work?

The DSM-5 operates by providing a structured and systematic approach to diagnosing mental health disorders. It categorizes disorders based on specific diagnostic criteria, including the type, number, and duration of symptoms. Clinicians use these criteria during comprehensive clinical interviews to assess symptoms, rule out other conditions, and determine the impact on the patient's daily life. The DSM-5 also includes specifiers and dimensional assessments to provide additional detail about the nature and severity of disorders.

Why is the DSM-5more popular now?

the DSM-5 includes updated research and diagnostic criteria that reflect the latest scientific understanding of mental health disorders.

Why is it better than the other classification systems?

The DSM-5 is considered superior to other classification systems for several reasons. It offers a more comprehensive and detailed framework for diagnosing mental health disorders, ensuring greater accuracy and reliability. Its broad acceptance by clinicians, researchers, insurance companies, and policymakers facilitates consistent communication and collaboration.

The DSM-5's inclusion of updated research and dimensional assessments reflects the latest scientific understanding, enhancing the validity of diagnoses and treatment planning. Additionally, its extensive use in training programs ensures that mental health professionals are well-equipped to apply its criteria effectively.

What is the DSM-5 impact on psychology?

By providing clear and specific criteria, the DSM-5 improves the accuracy of diagnoses. Helps in understanding the complexity and comorbidity of mental health disorders.

second study?

Mojtabai (2011)

Aim of the second study? (not needer)

A community-based sample of participants (who were taking part in the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions) from the USA who were tested in two phases (43,093 in phase 1; 34,653 in phase 2).

conclusion of the second study

The DSM-5 should exclude bereavement-related depression from the list of depressive episodes requiring treatment as these can be explained by the bereavement itself, they are not signs that a person is prone to depression generally.

What is the main study?

Haroz et al. (2017)

aim of the main study?

 To investigate the diagnostic criteria of the DSM-5 with regard to possible culture bias linked to the diagnosis of depression. 

procedure of main study

A review of qualitative research on depression across the world conducted between August and December 2012 (updated in June 2015) Statistics were used to compare features of depression across nationality, region, gender and context i.e. qualitative data was translated into quantitative data Four independent experts rated the items from 1-5 on measures such as their credibility, lack of bias and transferability and these ratings were compared with the DSM-5 and other established systems for measuring depression

results of the main study

The DSM-5’s classification for diagnosis of depression agreed with 7 of the 15 features identified by the experts Several other features of depression which occur frequently (e.g. poor concentration) were not given priority by the DSM-5 and thus were not included as a standard way of measuring depression. The DSM-5 model was found to not adequately reflect the experience of depression at worldwide or regional levels i.e. it is overly individualistic and westernized in its approach

conclusion for the main study

The DSM-5 may not be applicable to a range of cultures across the world and may suffer from cultural bias which means that it may lack validity.

Strengths of the main study?

the results of the study could be used to inform clinicians to be wary of assuming a universalist approach and to consider the role of culture carefully when forming a diagnosis

The large sample size should ensure that the quantitative results are robust which should increase the reliability of the findings

weakness of the main study?

Using secondary data means that the researchers could not be 100% confident that all the studies included in the research had been conducted with care and attention to detail which would affect the credibility of the research Translating qualitative data into quantitative data necessarily involves sacrificing meaning, subjectivity and context so that the data’s explanatory power is lost

participants

16,130 records were used to form the basis of this research which comprised of 138 studies with data derived from 170 samples across 77 nationalities/ethnicities (the total number of participants across the sample is not stated in the original article).

ethical considerations

 The researchers were also culturally sensitive, recognizing the diverse backgrounds of participants and aiming to address potential cultural biases in the DSM-5's diagnostic criteria. Additionally, the study likely underwent ethical review and approval by relevant institutional review boards, ensuring that the research design and methodology were ethically sound.