In: Psychology
1) Why is treating teens diagnosed with depression of so much importance?
2) Why shouldn’t the DSM be considered a “simple checklist” of symptoms to be used for making a diagnosis of a mental disorder?
3) What is the significance of the multiaxial system of the DSM – why is this approach used?
4) What are the controversies of the DSM and how are these controversies important to caregivers/parents?
Adolescence is a period of development marked with several physical, emotional, psychological and social changes. Adolescents are especially vulnerable to academic, social, or family expectations which can create a strong sense of rejection and can lead to deep disappointment. At this point of development, they are in dire need of adult guidance more than ever to understand all the changes they are experiencing and how they should deal with the environment around them. When these changes disrupt adolescents' ability to carry out daily functions, it may indicate the presence of serious emotional or mental disorder such as depression. It is particularly important to make identify depression, if present, at this juncture. If it is left undiagnosed, it may lead to more serious and severe symptoms in adulthood.
Please post the other questions separately as we are supposed to answer just one question or four sub parts of the same question.