PS280 Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Statistical Power
Document Summary
Issues in the diagnosis and classification of abnormal behaviour. Two main areas of controversy: objection to classification: suggests any classification system for mental disorders is irrelevant at best and inappropriate at worst, targets the dsm in particular. Argument that the whole diagnostic endeavour is flawed bc of its adherence to the medical model. Medical disorders are legitimate, they argue, bc they have a clear indication, such as a lesion, that serves as a recognizable deviation in anatomical structure. Thus, they argue diagnosis of mental illness is a means of social control. Wakefield (1992) points out there are many medical disorders for which there are no known lesions or anatomical abnormalities. Furthermore, it is possible that at some future point we may discover anatomical anomalies associated w some mental health disorders. Another argument against diagnosis is that it unfairly stigmatizes individuals. Levels might have major social and occupational impacts.
