Question

Write a brief note on the following:

DSM IV classification of psychological disorder.

Answer 1

The DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition) was used by mental health professionals to diagnose and classify psychological disorders. It organized mental disorders into different categories based on symptoms, duration, and impact on functioning.

DSM-IV used a multiaxial system with five axes to provide a complete picture of a person’s mental health:

1. Clinical disorders (like depression or anxiety)
2. Personality disorders and mental retardation
3. Medical conditions affecting mental health
4. Psychosocial and environmental problems
5. Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) score

This system helped clinicians understand not just the disorder but also the individual’s overall life situation. DSM-IV was later replaced by DSM-5, which removed the multiaxial system for a more simplified and updated approach.