Factors influencing diagnosis

Factors influencing diagnosis

Diagnostic Criteria

  • The DSM-5 and ICD-10 are commonly used guides for diagnosing mental disorders.
  • Reliability in diagnosis is about consistency across different clinicians using the same diagnostic criteria.
  • Validity refers to the accuracy of the diagnosis, whether it measures what it’s intended to measure.

Culture and Diagnosis

  • Cultural factors can significantly influence the perception, manifestation, and diagnosis of psychological disorders.
  • Some disorders, like depression and anxiety, are universal, but their expression varies across cultures.
  • People from different cultural backgrounds might interpret and respond to symptoms differently.

Socio-Economic Factors

  • People with low socio-economic status (SES) have a higher risk of mental health disorders.
  • High stress levels due to poverty or job insecurity can precipitate psychological disorders.
  • Access to mental health care varies according to socio-economic status.

Gender and Age

  • Gender differences can influence the prevalence and diagnosis of certain disorders. For instance, anorexia nervosa is more common in women, while antisocial personality disorder is more prevalent in men.
  • Age can also influence the manifestation and diagnosis of mental disorders. Childhood disorders like ADHD often present differently in adolescence or adulthood.

Biological Factors

  • Genetic predispositions can influence the risk of developing certain mental disorders, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
  • Neurochemical imbalances in the brain can contribute to conditions like depression, anxiety, and OCD.
  • Physical health conditions, such as hormonal imbalances or chronic illnesses, can affect mental health.

Psychological Factors

  • Adverse childhood experiences, such as trauma or neglect, increase the risk of many mental health disorders.
  • Maladaptive cognitive processes, such as irrational thought patterns in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), can contribute to various disorders.
  • Coping mechanisms and resilience vary significantly between individuals and can affect the onset, progression, and recovery from mental disorders.