Final answer:
Psychologists use the DSM, a diagnostic tool by the American Psychiatric Association, to distinguish mental disorders. They diagnose by comparing symptoms to the DSM's updated criteria, considering symptom duration and impact on life for conditions like schizophrenia, depression, and more. Diagnosis also considers demedicalization historical examples like homosexuality's reclassification.
Step-by-step explanation:
How Do Psychologists Distinguish People with Psychological Mental Disorders?
Psychologists and psychiatrists use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to diagnose and classify mental disorders. The DSM is a critical tool published by the American Psychiatric Association that outlines specific criteria and classifications for mental illnesses. Mental illnesses are nervous system disorders that significantly affect a person's thinking, mood, or ability to relate to others, severely impacting their quality of life and ability to perform daily tasks.
Mental disorders can include a wide range of conditions such as schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders and phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), among others. The DSM provides detailed descriptions of the symptoms for each disorder and, as new versions are released, these symptoms and criteria are updated based on the latest scientific knowledge.
For diagnosis, a person's symptoms are carefully compared with the criteria outlined in the DSM. This ensures a systematic and evidence-based approach to diagnosing mental disorders. In addition to the main diagnostic criteria, there is an alternate/emerging model for diagnosing personality disorders, reflecting the evolving nature of the field and ongoing debates among professionals. Substance use disorders are also described in the DSM, characterized by a compulsive pattern of drug use that involves both physical and psychological dependence.
Mental health professionals work within a complex framework that considers the individual's symptoms, their duration, and the impact on daily life. The diagnosis process also distinguishes between conditions that are mental disorders and normal responses to life circumstances or challenges. It is important to note that the field of psychology continues to evolve as more research contributes to our understanding of mental disorders and as societal attitudes shift, evidenced by changes in how conditions are perceived and classified. An example is the historical process of demedicalization, such as the APA's reclassification of homosexuality in 1973.