'Physicians make diagnosis looking at a person's physical symptoms.' How are psychological disorders diagnosed?

Psychological disorders are diagnosed on the basis of two classifications, i.e., DSM or IV and ICD-X.

• Classification of psychological disorders consists of a list of categories of specific psychological disorders grouped into various classes on the basis of some shared characteristics.

• International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) is classification of behavioural and mental disorders.

• ICD-10 refers to international classification of diseases and its 10th revision is being used.

• It is developed by WHO under one broad heading 'Mental Disorders' which is based on symptoms.

(The classification scheme is officially used in India)

• The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has published an official manual of psychological disorders:

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, IVth Edition (DSM-IV).

• It Evaluates the patient on five axes or dimensions rather than just one broad aspect of 'mental disorder'.

• These dimensions relate to biological, psychological, social and other aspects. Uses of Classification:

• Classifications are useful because they enable psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers to communicate with each other about the disorders.

• Helps in understanding the causes of psychological disorders and the processes involved in their development.

• It helps in Clinical diagnosis.