The Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Health Disorders, (DSM-IV-TR) is an assessment test used by mental health professionals and counselor to diagnose patients with mental health problems. The DSM-IV-TR also defines mental disorders as a clinically significant behavior or psychological syndrome or pattern that occurs in an individual that is associated with present distress or disability including impairment in one or more areas of functioning. (Drummond, 2010). The test covers specific diagnostic areas, with the use of codes that aid professional outline complex conditions.
Although, many revisions have been made with the intention of improvement, the DSM-IV-TR has provided a better understanding of mental health disorders. Numerous, changes were made in regards to diagnosis and others were removed and reclassified. If strictly monitored, it can also help eliminate certain biases. Some of advantages of using this classification system is …show more content…
The test doesn’t adapt well to different cultures. In different cultures, standards and values can be very different. The DSM-IV-TR doesn’t take factors into account like a person’s past, or personality. These differences in culture could create an issue where one does not exist based on different cultural norms. A clinician who is unfamiliar with the nuances of an individual's cultural frame of reference may incorrectly judge as psychopathology those normal variations in behavior, belief, or experience that are particular to the individual's culture. (Dr. Lu, 2002). The end result in these cases, someone could be diagnosed where a problem does not exist, while others could potentially miss a diagnosis.
In conclusion, although there are advantages and disadvantages associated with the DMS-IV-TR, if certain measures are followed and adhered, some of these problems can eventually
Although, many revisions have been made with the intention of improvement, the DSM-IV-TR has provided a better understanding of mental health disorders. Numerous, changes were made in regards to diagnosis and others were removed and reclassified. If strictly monitored, it can also help eliminate certain biases. Some of advantages of using this classification system is …show more content…
The test doesn’t adapt well to different cultures. In different cultures, standards and values can be very different. The DSM-IV-TR doesn’t take factors into account like a person’s past, or personality. These differences in culture could create an issue where one does not exist based on different cultural norms. A clinician who is unfamiliar with the nuances of an individual's cultural frame of reference may incorrectly judge as psychopathology those normal variations in behavior, belief, or experience that are particular to the individual's culture. (Dr. Lu, 2002). The end result in these cases, someone could be diagnosed where a problem does not exist, while others could potentially miss a diagnosis.
In conclusion, although there are advantages and disadvantages associated with the DMS-IV-TR, if certain measures are followed and adhered, some of these problems can eventually