Classification of Mental Health Disorders

Introduction to Mental Health Disorders

Mental health refers to the emotional, psychological, and social well-being of an individual. It involves their ability to manage stress, relate to others, make decisions, and handle the challenges of life.

Fluctuations in mental health are normal and can be influenced by various factors such as stress, life events, changes in routine, or physical health. These fluctuations are part of the human experience and do not necessarily indicate the presence of a mental health disorder. However, when these fluctuations become more persistent, severe, reoccurring, and disruptive to an individual's daily life, it may indicate the development of a mental health disorder.

Mental health disorders, also known as mental illnesses or psychiatric disorders, are conditions that affect thoughts, emotions, behavior, cognition, or a combination of these factors. The diagnosis of a mental disorder involves a thorough assessment by a qualified professional, considering the duration, intensity, and impact of symptoms. These disorders can significantly impact the daily functioning, relationships, and overall well-being of an individual.

Classification of Mental Health Disorders

The classification of mental health disorders is necessary for several reasons:

1. Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment: It helps understand the diverse range of symptoms and behaviors exhibited by individuals to make a generally acceptable diagnosis crucial for determining appropriate treatment plans.

2. Communication and Research: A standardized classification system facilitates communication among mental health professionals, researchers, and healthcare providers. It enables them to use a common language to discuss symptoms, diagnoses, and treatment approaches. This uniformity is essential for advancing research, conducting clinical trials, and developing evidence-based practices to improve mental health outcomes.

3. Epidemiological Studies: Classification allows for the collection of data on the prevalence and distribution of mental health disorders in populations. This information is crucial for epidemiological studies that help identify trends, risk factors, and patterns of mental health disorders within communities.

4. Legal and Forensic Contexts: In legal settings, such as courtrooms, the classification of mental health disorders plays a role in assessing mental competence and determining responsibility for the criminal actions of an individual. It helps provide a standardized basis for legal decisions.

CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS

There are several classification systems of mental disorders, each serving different purposes and used by various mental health professionals. The two primary classification systems widely used internationally are the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) and the ICD (International Classification of Diseases). These systems are developed and maintained by different organizations to provide a standardized framework for various mental health professionals and ensure consistency in diagnosis, treatment planning, and research.

1. DSM-5 Classification

The DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) is widely used in the United States and is one of the most recognized and utilized manuals for diagnosing mental disorders.

Published by: American Psychiatric Association (APA)

Current Edition: DSM-5 (fifth edition) published in 2013, DSM-5-TR (text revision) published in 2022.

The DSM-5 is divided into three main sections:

Section I (Basics and Use of the DSM-5): This section provides an overview of the development process of the DSM-5, including the various professionals and organizations involved in its creation. It outlines the purpose and goals of the manual and provides guidelines on how to use it effectively. It also discusses changes from the previous edition (DSM-IV-TR) and the overall structure of the DSM-5.

Section II: Diagnostic Criteria and Codes: This section describes specific mental disorders along with their diagnostic criteria. Each disorder is outlined with criteria that clinicians use to make accurate and consistent diagnoses. The criteria often include a set of symptoms, duration, and other relevant factors. The major diagnostic categories within DSM-5 include:

• 1. Neurodevelopmental Disorders

  Autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, learning disorders such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, etc.

• 2. Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders

  Schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, delusional disorder

• 3. Bipolar and Related Disorders

  Bipolar I and bipolar II disorders, cyclothymic disorder

• 4. Depressive Disorders

  Major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder

• 5. Anxiety Disorders

  Generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorders, social anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, specific phobias

• 6. Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders

  Obsessive-compulsive disorder, hoarding disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, skin-picking disorder, and hair-pulling disorder

• 7. Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders

  Post-traumatic stress disorder, acute stress disorder, adjustment disorder

• 8. Dissociative Disorders

  Dissociative identity disorder, Dissociative amnesia, Depersonalization/derealization disorder

• 9. Somatic Symptom Disorders

  Somatic symptom disorder, Illness anxiety disorder, Conversion disorder

• 10. Feeding and Eating Disorders

  Anorexia nervosa, Bulimia nervosa, Binge-eating disorder, Pica

• 11. Elimination Disorders

  Enuresis, Encopresis, other specified elimination disorder, and unspecified elimination disorder

• 12. Sleep-Wake Disorders:

  Insomnia, hypersomnolence disorder, narcolepsy, breathing-related sleep disorders, circadian rhythm sleep disorders, non-REM sleep arousal disorders, nightmare disorder, REM sleep behavior disorder, restless legs syndrome, substance or medication-induced sleep disorders

• 13. Sexual Dysfunctions

  Desire, interest and arousal disorders, Orgasmic disorders, Sexual pain disorders, Sexual dysfunction due to a general medical condition, substance or medication-induced sexual dysfunction, other specified sexual dysfunction, unspecified sexual dysfunction

• 14. Gender Dysphoria

  Gender dysphoria in adolescents or adults, Gender dysphoria in children

• 15. Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders

  Oppositional defiant disorder, Antisocial personality disorder, Kleptomania, Pyromania

• 16. Substance Use and Addictive Disorders

  Alcohol use disorder, Inhalant use disorder, Opioid use disorder, Withdrawal-related symptoms

• 17. Neurocognitive Disorders

  Delirium, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Traumatic brain injury

• 18. Personality Disorders

  Paranoid, Schizoid, Schizotypal, Antisocial, Borderline, Histrionic, Narcissistic, Avoidant, Dependant, Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder

  📌 Read more: Personality Disorders

• 19. Paraphilic Disorders

  Exhibitionistic disorder, Fetishistic disorder, Frotteuristic disorder, Pedophilic disorder, Sexual masochism disorder, Sexual sadism disorder, Transvestic disorder, and Voyeuristic disorder

• 20. Other specified and unspecified disorders

Section III: Emerging Measures and Models: This section includes tools and information that supplement the diagnostic criteria in Section II such as:

• Assessment Measures: Tools and rating scales that can be used to assess symptoms and measure the severity of mental disorders.

• Cultural Formulations: Guidance on understanding and integrating cultural factors into the diagnostic process to ensure a more culturally sensitive approach.

• Conditions for Further Study: This category includes disorders and conditions that require further research before being included in the main diagnostic criteria. It allows for the inclusion of emerging concepts and conditions that may not have enough evidence for a definitive diagnosis at the time of publication.

2. ICD-10 Classification

The ICD (International Classification of Diseases) is a global classification system that covers a wide range of diseases and includes a section dedicated to mental health disorders.

Published by: World Health Organization (WHO)

Current Edition: ICD-10 (tenth edition)

The diagnostic categories within ICD-10 related to mental health disorders include:

Table: ICD-10 Classification of Mental Health Disorders

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