Psychological disorders are diagnosed on the basis of two classifications, i.e., DSM or IV and ICD-X.
• Classification of psychological disorders consists of a list of categories of specific psychological disorders grouped into various classes on the basis of some shared characteristics.
• International Classification of **** (ICD-10) is classification of behavioural and mental disorders.
• ICD-10 refers to international classification of **** and its 10th revision is being used.
• It is developed by WHO under one broad heading ‘Mental Disorders’ which is based on symptoms. (The classification scheme is officially used in India)
• The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has published an official manual of psychological disorders:
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, IVth Edition (DSM-IV).
• It Evaluates the patient on five axes or dimensions rather than just one broad aspect of ‘mental disorder’.
• These dimensions relate to biological, psychological, social and other aspects.
Uses of Classification:
• Classifications are useful because they enable psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers to communicate with each other about the disorders.
• Helps in understanding the causes of psychological disorders and the processes involved in their development.
• It helps in Clinical diagnosis.
