1. Lesson 2: Classifying Mental Disorders

2. Lesson 1: Normality EXAM QUESTION
a) Define the ‘historical approach’ to defining normality
b) Provide an example of this approach
1 + 1 = 2 marks

3. Lesson 1: Normality EXAM Answer
a) Define the ‘historical approach’ to defining normality
What is considered normal or abnormal in a society depends on
the era/period of time when the judgement is made
b) Provide an example of this approach
School students used to get hit on the knuckles with a cain when
they misbehaved, now this would be considered abnormal or
wrong!
1 + 1 = 2 marks

4. Outcomes (What you need to know and be able to
do)
• Explain the systems of classification (categorical -
DSM-IV and ICD-10 and dimensional - graded and
transitional) approaches to classification of mental
disorders their underlying principles of classification
• Explain the Strengths and Limitations of discrete
categorical (DSM-IV and ICD-10) and dimensional
(graded and transitional) approaches to classification
of mental disorders

5. Classification is the organisation of items into groups on
the basis of their common properties.
What are some ways in which you could
classify potato chips? Rank them in order of
importance.
What are some ways in which you could
classify shoes? Rank them in order of
importance.
What are some ways in which mental
disorders could be classified? Rank them in
order of importance.

6. There are two main approaches to classifying mental
conditions and disorders:
Categorical & Dimensional
Both have their strengths and limitations

7. Categorical Approaches
Yes or No approach
Focus on deciding whether there is a presence or
absence of a mental disorder
Either have it or not
Black or white - no grey areas

8. Categorical Systems
Diagnostic & Statistical Manual International Classification
of Mental Disorders (DSM) of Disease (ICD)
American Psychiatric World Health
Association (APA) Organisation (WHO)

9. Categorical approaches like the DMC and ICD
organise and describe mental conditions in terms of
different categories and subcategories, each with
symptoms and characteristics that are typical of
specific mental conditions and disorders.
Can you think of another example that adopts a
categorical approach?

11. Can you think of any
reasons why it could be
helpful to classify mental
disorders into
categories?
How might it be unhelpful?

12. Dimensional Approaches
classify based on how much a
symptom is presenting
ranges from very
low to very high
Focus on ranking or grading a
person’s symptoms on one or
more continuos quantitative
dimensions in terms of their
severity or degree.

14. The table below simplifies the approaches using Depression
as an example

15. Which approach is most valid?
Which approach is the most reliable?
Why/Why not?

16. Essential Learning Activities
DMC review Questions 1 - 4
1. Explain the meaning of the phrase ‘categorical approach to the classification of mental disorders’.
2. What are the underlying assumptions and principles of the categorical approach? Explain with
reference to examples.
3. Why is it important that categorical approaches are valid and reliable?
4. a) What is the DSM, who is it created for and what is it used for?
b) How many major categories of mental disorders does the current DSM have?
c) What is the common purpose of diagnostic, inclusion, exclusion and polythetic criteria?
d) Explain the meaning of the terms course and prevalence in relation to a mental disorder.
e) Name each of the five axes in the DSM and briefly describe the type of information provided in
each axis for classification and/or diagnostic purposes.
f) What significant information about mental disorders is not provided in the DSM?
ICD review Questions 1 & 2
1. a) What is the ICD-10, who is it prepared for and what is it used for?
b) Name the ICD chapter that specifically relates to mental disorders.
c) Name the Australian version of the ICD.
d) How many major categories of mental and behavioural disorders does the ICD-10 have? e What are
diagnostic guidelines and what are they used for?
2. Construct a table in which you compare key similarities and differences of the DSM and ICD-10.