Diagnostic Psychopathology Midterm Lecture 1: An
Introduction to Psychodiagnosis Questions with
Correct Answers
What is Taxonomy? Correct Answer-The study of general principles of
scientific classification
Define diagnosis Correct Answer-The act of placing an individual, based
on a constellation of signs (observable indicators) , symptoms
(subjective indicators), or both, into a category within that taxonomy
How do you define psychopathology? Correct Answer-There are
multiple ways--no way is perfect. These definitions are based on context
that can change over time (norms, sociopolitically, and culture)
What does DSM-V stand for? Correct Answer-The Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition
Is the DSM organized in a dimensional way or categorical way? Correct
Answer-Categorical; We naturally want to label and categorize people
Why do we diagnose people? Correct Answer-Because these labels:
help us know treatment plans
help the client not feel alone
help us educate the client
, Why should we be careful about diagnosing clients with disorders,
especially stigmatized disorders? Correct Answer-The client and/or
other people can wrap that person's whole identity around the diagnosis
A lot of diagnoses will follow the client for the rest of his or her life, so
it better be accurate
What kinds of things can have an impact on how we diagnose our client?
Correct Answer-Whether or not we like the client may sway our
diagnosis
If the client is similar to us, we may give them more leeway
About how many people in the US will meet a DSM diagnosis in their
lifetime? How many in a given year? Correct Answer-About half over
lifetime
About 1/4 will meet diagnostic criteria in one year
What should you do to become an ethical diagnostician? Correct
Answer-1. Recognize your biases and cognitive decision making errors
that may result in improper diagnoses
2. Knowledge of cultural factors that impact symptoms of distress and
meaning of symptoms (another culture may view seeing your deceased
mother as normal--you need to ask them how their family responds to
their symptoms)
3. Sensitivity to the stigma associated with mental illness, and the short
and long-term consequences of assigning a diagnosis (access to
resources, insurance, etc.)
Introduction to Psychodiagnosis Questions with
Correct Answers
What is Taxonomy? Correct Answer-The study of general principles of
scientific classification
Define diagnosis Correct Answer-The act of placing an individual, based
on a constellation of signs (observable indicators) , symptoms
(subjective indicators), or both, into a category within that taxonomy
How do you define psychopathology? Correct Answer-There are
multiple ways--no way is perfect. These definitions are based on context
that can change over time (norms, sociopolitically, and culture)
What does DSM-V stand for? Correct Answer-The Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition
Is the DSM organized in a dimensional way or categorical way? Correct
Answer-Categorical; We naturally want to label and categorize people
Why do we diagnose people? Correct Answer-Because these labels:
help us know treatment plans
help the client not feel alone
help us educate the client
, Why should we be careful about diagnosing clients with disorders,
especially stigmatized disorders? Correct Answer-The client and/or
other people can wrap that person's whole identity around the diagnosis
A lot of diagnoses will follow the client for the rest of his or her life, so
it better be accurate
What kinds of things can have an impact on how we diagnose our client?
Correct Answer-Whether or not we like the client may sway our
diagnosis
If the client is similar to us, we may give them more leeway
About how many people in the US will meet a DSM diagnosis in their
lifetime? How many in a given year? Correct Answer-About half over
lifetime
About 1/4 will meet diagnostic criteria in one year
What should you do to become an ethical diagnostician? Correct
Answer-1. Recognize your biases and cognitive decision making errors
that may result in improper diagnoses
2. Knowledge of cultural factors that impact symptoms of distress and
meaning of symptoms (another culture may view seeing your deceased
mother as normal--you need to ask them how their family responds to
their symptoms)
3. Sensitivity to the stigma associated with mental illness, and the short
and long-term consequences of assigning a diagnosis (access to
resources, insurance, etc.)
