Lesson 04: classification and diagnosis in clinical psychology

Classification and diagnosis in clinical psychology rely on standardized systems and assessment methods to identify mental health disorders accurately. These processes ensure consistent communication among professionals and guide treatment planning.

Main Classification Systems

The primary systems are DSM-5-TR, published by the American Psychiatric Association, and ICD-11, from the World Health Organization. DSM-5-TR uses categorical diagnoses with refined criteria for disorders like prolonged grief, emphasizing diagnostic validity and cultural inclusivity. ICD-11 adopts a more dimensional approach, especially for personality disorders, focusing on severity, traits, and clinical utility with categories like schizophrenia or stress-related disorders.

Diagnostic Process

Diagnosis begins with clinical interviews to gather symptoms, history, and concerns, followed by psychological tests and observations. Professionals integrate data from family or records to match symptoms against criteria, ensuring reliability and validity. This multi-step approach identifies issues like anxiety or mood disorders before treatment.

Key Assessment Tools

Psychometric tests include intelligence scales like WAIS, personality inventories such as MMPI-2, and symptom screeners like PHQ-9 for depression or GAD-7 for anxiety. Behavioral assessments and projective tests reveal patterns in controlled settings. These tools support precise diagnosis when combined with clinical judgment.