Psy_270_Appendix_G

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. You would have to observe the subject in its environment because in a clinical setting the subject may act differently. If you do not get direct observation the observant can misdiagnose the subject. 2. Personality disorders can be similar to each other. There are a lot of symptoms that can go for more then one diagnosis. It could be very difficult to diagnose the exact disorder because of the similarities in symptoms that is why it is important to observe the subject directly and in a clinical setting. 3. People with different personalities can be given the same diagnosis This is because the criteria for the DSM-IV chart is indented to find personality disorders. Not everyone has a personality disorder but can look like they do by the char criteria. 4. Do you think that personality disorders are true mental illnesses' Why or why not' Yes I think that a personality disorder is a true mental illness .I believe this because there has been so much research and so many people are diagnosed and continue to be diagnosed and suffer from these disorders.