5.3.A—Describe the approaches used to define behaviors and mental processes as psychological disorders

Describe the approaches used to define behaviors and mental processes as psychological disorders.

• Level of dysfunction, perception of distress, and deviation from the social norm are all factors used to identify psychological disorders.
• Diagnosing or classifying psychological disorders has positive and negative consequences depending on the nature of the disorder, the individual being diagnosed, and the presence of cultural/societal norms, stigma, racism, sexism, ageism, and discrimination.
• Diagnosing psychological disorders requires specialized training and the use of evidencebased diagnostic tools. The American Psychiatric Association developed the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) of Mental Disorders to classify mental disorders. The World Health Organization developed the International Classification of Mental Disorders (ICD) to classify mental disorders. These classification systems are updated regularly to be responsive to new research and practice advances.