1. Discuss the DSM system as a classification tool of abnormal behavior including some of its features (2 marks) The first official edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders was first introduced in 1952 and was first adopted for specific diagnostic criteria for a broad range of disorders by categorizing them on a five-component multiaxial approach. For example, under the general heading of anxiety disorders the more specific disorders would be generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia and more. The DSM group patterns of (abnormal behaviour) the mind and emotions that reflect common consensus to clinicians, and researchers in the field of mental health. In the DSM system, abnormal behaviours patterns that share common clinical features are classified as mental disorders. Mental disorders, such as depression or anxiety, unlike physical illnesses, are diagnoses and classifications that incorporate socially acceptable sick role, and/or something that stigmatizes personal sense of identity. The DSM recommends that clinicians assess an individual’s mental state according to five factors, or axes. Together the five axes offer a broad …show more content…
With this new edition came many changes to the descriptions of the psychological disorders provided in the previous version of this publication. DSM-5 introduces changes including no more multiaxial assessment system, in prior versions of the DSM, a system that included 5 "axes" or dimensions was used for diagnostic and treatment purposes. The axes were: I) Clinical Syndromes/Disorders, II) Personality Disorders/Mental Retardation, III) Medical Conditions, IV) Psychosocial and Environmental Stressors, and V) Global Assessment of