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Clinical Psychology

Diagnosing mental disorders and the four Ds

  • 3 things to know
  • Papers 2 and 3

Overview

Recall questions on deviance, dysfunction, distress and danger, why statistical rarity and social deviance are not enough alone, why no single criterion suffices, and how classification systems operationalise the symptoms.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

Why is statistical deviance alone insufficient for diagnosing a mental disorder?

Key term

Can a mental disorder be diagnosed if the individual does not experience personal distress?

Key term

What are the 'four Ds' used in the diagnosis of mental disorders?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What are the 'four Ds' used in the diagnosis of mental disorders?

    Model answer

    Deviance, Dysfunction, Distress, and Danger.

  2. 2

    What is the purpose of applying the four Ds criteria in clinical psychology?

    Model answer

    To determine whether behaviour or experience constitutes a psychological disorder.

  3. 3

    Define deviance in the context of diagnosing mental disorders.

    Model answer

    Behaviour, thoughts or emotions that differ significantly from what is considered acceptable or typical within a given culture or society.

  4. 4

    Why is statistical deviance alone insufficient for diagnosing a mental disorder?

    Model answer

    Because some statistically rare behaviours are positive or neutral rather than indicative of disorder.

  5. 5

    Give an example of why statistical rarity cannot be the sole basis for diagnosis.

    Model answer

    High intelligence or exceptional creativity are statistically rare but are positive traits, not disorders.

  6. 6

    Why must social deviance be considered within cultural context when diagnosing disorders?

    Model answer

    Because norms vary across societies and time periods, so what is considered deviant differs between cultures.

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