1 hour essay

4/22/2012

To what extent is the use of classificatory systems for abnormal behavior justified? (1 hour)

This is an opinion related question BUT you must use psychological research/theories to support your answer. Include studies - for example Rosenhan would be great!!! Explain how you would use Rosenhan in this essay. What other psychological evidence could you use!?!?

2 Comments

Maiken Nicolaisen

4/24/2012 11:27:43 pm

The classificatory system for abnormal behavior is the DSM-IV, or Diagnostic Statistical Manual- 4th Edition. It is a standardized system of categorizing symptoms of a perceived illness. It is good as a baseline analysis of disorders; however, the official diagnosis can only be made with the application and consideration of the patient's subjective view of how they feel. This leaves a lot of room for gray area. Because many symptoms overlap, meaning they can pertain to various disorders and illnesses, diagnosis is very difficult and is basically an educated guess.

Rosenhan's study tested the influence and effect of using classificatory systems to admit patients into hospitals. He sent pseudopatients to 12 (i think!) different mental institutions on both coasts. All except one were admitted into the hospitals, with the initial diagnosis of schizophrenia. Upon approaching the hospitals, the pseudopatients claimed be hearing sounds such as "thud." Immediately after being admitted, the pseudopatients acted completely normal, with no sign of any illness. the controversy arose patients were not allowed to leave. During their stay they took notes of the way doctors and nurses behaved towards them and other patients. Nurses and doctors attributed this act as a part of their symptoms of schizophrenia.

Mrs. Brown

4/26/2012 07:32:08 am

This is a great start! Remember this is an hour long question - so include as much detail as you can. You can refer to a specific disorder such as depression and discuss the use of a classificatory system in that specific diagnosis. Also the question says to what extent - so make sure you answer your question with that in mind!

1 hour essay

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