1. The DSM – how valid and reliable is it as a tool for diagnosis?

2. DSM – a multi-axial system
Axis I Disorders, clinical and mental eg schizophrenia
Axis II Personality (underlying) including mental retardation
Axis III Medical and Physical conditions
Axis IV Environmental factors
Axis V Global functioning

3. Evaluation of the DSM Strengths:
It’s the best attempt at diagnosis that there is and it allows a common diagnosis
There are studies which support its reliability and validity
Weaknesses
It can be considered a way of labelling people whose behaviour we see as “different”
In the US some people argue by inventing mental illnesses psychiatrists can make more money

4. Evaluation of validity issues
STRENGTHS
The DSM has been shown to be valid across a variety of studies covering a range of different conditions
Because it is reliable it is likely to be valid too
Much work has been done to increase its validity as it has been rewritten

5. WEAKNESSES
It is hard to diagnose people who are suffering from more than one condition (co- morbidity) when using the DSM
It can be considered to be reductionist to break down a condition into a series of symptoms, so we shouldn’t over concentrate on Axis 1
Questionnaires and interviews such as in the Kim-Cohen study may find what they are looking for

6. CULTURAL ISSUES and the DSM
It’s scientific, and if we clearly define our symptoms then it can work all over the world
Schizophrenia is more similar across cultures than different
Some times symptoms mean different things in different cultures eg hearing voices can make you “special” in a positive way (spiritual)
There are cultural differences in symptoms
Eg more auditory hallucinations in Mexico, more grandiosity in white Americans,
Culture does not affect diagnosis
Culture does affect diagnosis