Discussion: Psychopathology from a Clinical Perspective
Discussion: Psychopathology from a Clinical Perspective ON Discussion: Psychopathology
from a Clinical PerspectiveAt the heart of every great mystery lies a solution. Just as a good
detective may use specific guidelines to gather evidence for a solution, so too might a good
psychologist use set criteria to gather evidence for an accurate solution, or diagnosis.
Although detectives focus on who is responsible for the problem, psychologists focus
on why and how the problem surfaced. To make an accurate diagnosis, psychologists follow
set diagnostic criteria outlined in the DSM. As a classification system for diagnosis, the DSM
is important in the field, but current literature highlights the fact that, along with its
strengths, limitations exist in it for accuracy in client diagnosis. Discussion:
Psychopathology from a Clinical PerspectiveFor this Discussion, consider the classification
system of the DSM. Think about the relative strengths and limitations of this classification
system in making a diagnosis.With these thoughts in mind:Post by Day 3 a brief description
of the overall classification system of the DSM in your own words. Then discuss the
strengths and limitations of the DSM.References:American Psychiatric Association.
(2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA:
American Psychiatric Publishing.Introduction, Use of the Manual, Cautionary Statement for
Forensic Use of DSM-5Assessment Measures, Cultural FormulationAppendix: Highlight of
Changes from DSM-IV to DSM-5Paris, J. (2015). The intelligent clinician’s guide to the DSM-
5 (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Oxford University Press. Retrieved from the Walden
Library.Chapter 5, “Diagnostic Validity”Chapter 6, “Dimensionality”Chapter 7, “Clinical
Utility”Johnson, R. (2013). Forensic and culturally responsive approach for the DSM-5: Just
the FACTS. Journal of Theory Construction & Testing, 17(1), 18–22. Retrieved from the
Walden Library databases.Miller, R., & Prosek, E. A. (2013). Trends and implications of
proposed changes to the DSM-5 for vulnerable populations. Journal Of Counseling &
Development, 91(3), 359–366. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.Mohr, J. J.,
Weiner, J. L., Chopp, R. M., & Wong, S. J. (2009). Effects of client bisexuality on clinical
judgment: When is bias most likely to occur? Journal of Counseling Psychology, 56(1), 164–
175.Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.McLaughlin, J. E. (2006). The pros and
cons of viewing formal diagnosis from a social constructionist perspective. Journal of
Humanistic Counseling, Education & Development, 45(2), 165–172.Retrieved from the
Walden Library databases.Thakker, J., & Ward, T. (1998). Culture and classification: The
cross-cultural application of the DSM-IV. Clinical Psychology Review, 18(5), 501–

529.Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.Discussion: Psychopathology from a
Clinical Perspective