PSYC 3230 Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Conversion Disorder, Trichotillomania, Binge Eating
26 Jan 2017
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A diagnosis (cid:272)o(cid:374)sists of a deter(cid:373)i(cid:374)atio(cid:374) or ide(cid:374)tifi(cid:272)atio(cid:374) of the (cid:374)ature of a perso(cid:374)"s disease or condition, or a statement of that finding. A diagnostic (or classification) system is a system of rules for recognizing and grouping various types of abnormalities. The ability to categorize information allows scientists to better identify and understand various phenomena: a diagnostic system for mental disorders serves a number of important functions, including providing a description of different mental disorders. By describing and organizing different mental disorders, a diagnostic system gives us a vocabulary for communicating about mental disorders with others. Accurate diagnosis also provides important information for effective clinical intervention. Diagnostic systems are also needed for surveying population health and for understanding the prevalence and etiology of particular mental health problems. An assessment is a procedure through which information is gathered systematically in the evaluation of a condition; this assessment procedure yields information that serves as the basis for a diagnosis.
