Question

1. What tests and instruments are available for assessing psychopathology? What is the current diagnostic system? How has it changed over time?

2. Explain each of the psychometric issues related to assessment and diagnosis: reliability, validity, standardization.

3. What are the uses and applications of the DSM? How are disorders classified? What are the problems with the current classification system used in the DSM?

Answer 1

Several tests have been developed over the years to assess the presence and severity of psychopathology. These tests include both projective methods and objective self-report inventories. The most common projective techniques are the Rorschach Inkblot test, the Thematic Apperception Test, and projective drawing tests such as the Draw a Man test. Objective self-report inventories include measures are the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) and the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI).
Presently, there are two main diagnostic systems for classifying mental disorders, namely the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) by the World Health Organization and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) by the American Psychiatric Association. Over the years, the ICD and DSM developed in response to socio-cultural changes and reflect developments in psychiatric and psychological research and theory.

Please post the other questions separately as we are supposed to answer just one question or four sub parts of the same question.