reliability of validity in diagnosis and classification of schiz w ref to co-morbidity, culture and gender bias and symptom overlap

what is co-morbidity?

• when 2 or more disorders often occur tg

• schiz co-morbid w depression, substance abuse, PTSD, and OCD

what did Buckley et al. find?

half of all patients diagnosed with schiz also had a diagnosis of depression

why is co-morbidity a problem for validity of schiz diagnosis?

• it makes it more difficult for MH proff to accurately diagnose schiz as the symptoms of the other co-morbid disorders might stand out more and ‘hide’ the schiz

• Lower valid of schiz diagnosis and increase likelihood of misdiagnosis

what is symptom overlap?

• when the symptoms of 1 disorder are also present in another disorder

• schiz and BPD have symptom overlap as both share symptoms like delusions and avolition 

why is symptom overlap a problem for validity?

• Makes more difficult for MH prof to decide what disorder patient has

• E.g. if patient shows symptoms of delusions + avolitions, should MH prof diagnose them w schiz/BPD

• Lower valid of schiz diagnosis and increase likelihood of misdiagnosis

What is culture and gender bias?

The DSM and ICD based on Western (white), middle-class, male cult and yet criteria are appl to ppl from diff Western subcultures, rest of the world and both genders.

• Lower valid of schiz diagnosis and increase likelihood of misdiagnosis

When does culture and gender bias occur?

• when the assumptions, stereotypes or prejudices ab culture and/or gender infl a MH prof diagnosis 

Why is gender and culture bias a problem for rel + valid of schiz diagnosis?

• led to significant variation in schiz diagnosis depending on the culture + gender of the MH prof & their patient

• Often occurs when using same classification system

• Lower valid of schiz diagnosis and increase likelihood of misdiagnosis