Overview of Classification Systems

These flashcards cover key concepts and details regarding mental health diagnosis using the DSM-5 and ICD-10.

What is the DSM-5 and what is its specific focus?

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th Edition) is used worldwide to diagnose mental disorders based on criteria, symptoms, and features of over 300 disorders across 22 categories.

What are the key diagnostic criteria for Schizophrenia in the DSM-5?

Two or more of the following for at least 1 month: Delusions, Hallucinations, Disorganized speech; continuous signs for at least 6 months.

How is reliability assessed for the DSM-5?

1. Test-Retest Reliability: Same diagnosis upon reassessment. 2. Inter-Rater Reliability: Same diagnosis by different clinicians; a score of 0.7 or above indicates good agreement.

What is a key strength of the DSM-5 regarding reliability?

Brown et al. (2001) found good to excellent inter-rater reliability for anxiety and mood disorders, showing clinicians can consistently apply its criteria.

What is a key weakness of the DSM-5 regarding reliability?

Cooper (2014) noted the DSM-5 task force classifies Kappa scores as low as 0.2–0.4 as 'acceptable'. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) had a very low reliability of 0.28.

What are the four types of validity relevant to diagnosis?

1. Descriptive: Same diagnosis = similar symptoms. 2. Aetiological: Same diagnosis = similar causes. 3. Concurrent: Different methods lead to same diagnosis. 4. Predictive: Diagnosis predicts outcome/treatment response.

What is the ICD-10 and what is its scope?

The International Classification of Diseases (10th revision) classifies both physical and mental disorders and is used globally to track mortality and morbidity statistics. It's available in 43 languages.

What is a key strength of the ICD-10 regarding reliability?

A longitudinal study showed PPV scores increased from ICD-9 to ICD-10: Schizophrenia rose from 68% to 94%, showing significantly improved diagnostic consistency.

What is a key weakness of the ICD-10 regarding reliability?

Reliability is not consistent across all disorders. PPVs were as low as 55% for childhood disorders and 56% for personality disorders, making it unreliable for these specific diagnoses.

What is a common weakness of both the DSM-5 and ICD-10?

Comorbidity (overlap of symptoms between disorders) can lead to misdiagnosis and subsequent incorrect treatment.

What is a key methodological problem with the clinical interview process?

It can be subjective from both the patient and the clinician, threatening the validity of the diagnosis.