by Christiana Care

Question by misskrisq2: What does it mean by examining the classifications?
I am doing a paper for abnormal psychology. I am unsure on what the instructions mean by examining the classifications of certain disorders. The instructions state, “Examine the various classifications of eating, substance abuse, sex/gender/sexual, and personality disorders.” These are the classifications. Because they are categories within the DSM-IV. Can someone explain to me what to do? Sorry this is probably a dumb question, but I appreciate the help.

Best answer:

Answer by Kristal [Ward 7 Resident]
Generally speaking, the classifications can be found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) ~ which is a reference book used in the mental health field.

The DSM
Psychologists and psychiatrists use a reference book called the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to diagnose psychological disorders. The American Psychiatric Association published the first version of the DSM in 1952. It has been revised several times, and the newest version is commonly referred to as the DSM-IV.

The DSM-IV uses a multi-axial system of classification, which means that diagnoses are made on several different axes or dimensions. The DSM has five axes:

1.Axis I records the patient’s primary diagnosis.
2.Axis II records long-standing personality problems or mental retardation.
3.Axis III records any medical conditions that might affect the patient psychologically.
4.Axis IV records any significant psychosocial or environmental problems experienced by the patient.
5.Axis V records an assessment of the patient’s level of functioning

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