appendix g psy 270
University of Phoenix Material
Appendix G
The DSM-IV
The DSM-IV is an important tool for clinicians. It provides a standard for diagnoses to be standardized across psychology; however, the DSM-IV is not as precise for diagnosing personality disorders as some psychologists would like.
Give an example of each of the following problems identified in your readings and explain how these problems could negatively affect a diagnosis.
1. Some criteria used for reaching a diagnosis cannot be observed directly.
2. Personality disorders can be similar to each other.
3. People with different personalities can be given the same diagnosis
4. Do you think that personality disorders are true mental illnesses? Why or why not?
1. Some criteria used for reaching a diagnosis cannot be observed directly because in most cases you have to observe the subject in their own environment due to clinical settings could cause the subject to react differently or un-normal. Without accurate observation, it is easy for the subject to be misdiagnosed.
2. Personality disorder can be similar to each other. Diagnosing exact or similar disorders could be difficult because of the similarities in the symptoms. This is a great example of the importance of observing a subject in their own environment directly and also in a clinical setting. This way the similar symptoms can be seen differently which could help with diagnosing.
3. People with different personalities can be given the same diagnosis. This happens due to the criteria for the DSM-IVchart being indented to find personality disorders. Everyone doesn’t have a personality disorder however they can look as if they do by the chart criteria.
4. Do you think that personality disorders are true mental illnesses? Why or Why not? I have to say I do think a personality disorder is a true mental illness. I believe this because of all the research that’s been done on the matter as well as all of the people that are currently being
Appendix G
The DSM-IV
The DSM-IV is an important tool for clinicians. It provides a standard for diagnoses to be standardized across psychology; however, the DSM-IV is not as precise for diagnosing personality disorders as some psychologists would like.
Give an example of each of the following problems identified in your readings and explain how these problems could negatively affect a diagnosis.
1. Some criteria used for reaching a diagnosis cannot be observed directly.
2. Personality disorders can be similar to each other.
3. People with different personalities can be given the same diagnosis
4. Do you think that personality disorders are true mental illnesses? Why or why not?
1. Some criteria used for reaching a diagnosis cannot be observed directly because in most cases you have to observe the subject in their own environment due to clinical settings could cause the subject to react differently or un-normal. Without accurate observation, it is easy for the subject to be misdiagnosed.
2. Personality disorder can be similar to each other. Diagnosing exact or similar disorders could be difficult because of the similarities in the symptoms. This is a great example of the importance of observing a subject in their own environment directly and also in a clinical setting. This way the similar symptoms can be seen differently which could help with diagnosing.
3. People with different personalities can be given the same diagnosis. This happens due to the criteria for the DSM-IVchart being indented to find personality disorders. Everyone doesn’t have a personality disorder however they can look as if they do by the chart criteria.
4. Do you think that personality disorders are true mental illnesses? Why or Why not? I have to say I do think a personality disorder is a true mental illness. I believe this because of all the research that’s been done on the matter as well as all of the people that are currently being