Overview
This lecture introduces the concept of diagnosis in psychology, focusing on its definition, purpose, and relevance for PSY 212 students.
What is Diagnosis?
- Diagnosis is the process of identifying and labeling a psychological disorder based on symptoms and criteria.
- Diagnosis helps professionals communicate clearly about a person's mental health condition.
- Accurate diagnosis is essential for choosing appropriate treatment and interventions.
- Diagnosis provides a common language for research, insurance, and clinical practice.
Purpose and Importance of Diagnosis
- Diagnosis guides effective treatment planning for individuals with psychological symptoms.
- It enables consistent documentation and monitoring of mental health conditions over time.
- Diagnosis helps differentiate between various mental health disorders that may have similar symptoms.
- It is important for accessing services and insurance coverage in mental health care.
Diagnosis in PSY 212
- Understanding diagnosis is a foundational skill in abnormal psychology (PSY 212).
- Students will learn key criteria and systems for diagnosing psychological disorders (e.g., DSM-5).
- The course will cover challenges and controversies in psychiatric diagnosis.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Diagnosis — The process of identifying a mental disorder based on observed symptoms and criteria.
- DSM-5 — Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition; a standard classification system for mental disorders.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review course materials on the DSM-5 and diagnostic criteria.
- Prepare for upcoming discussions on the role of diagnosis in treatment planning.