Diagnosing Mental Disorders
Potential problems with using DSM-IV-TR
Labeling mental disorders
refers to identifying and naming differences among individuals
places individuals in specific categories
may have either positive or negative associations
Social and political implications
labels, such as anxious, compulsive, or mentally ill, can change how an individual is perceived
Anxiety Disorders
General Anxiety Disorder- chronic, high level of anxiety not tied to any specific threat
Panic Disorder- Recurrent attacks of overwhelming anxiety that occur suddenly and unexpectedly
Phobic Disorder- Persistent, irrational fear of object or situation that presents no real danger