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Alba has recently been diagnosed with a mental health disorder using a classification system - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 6 - 2022 - Paper 2
Question 6
Alba has recently been diagnosed with a mental health disorder using a classification system. She has presented with a number of symptoms including losing interest i... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Alba has recently been diagnosed with a mental health disorder using a classification system - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 6 - 2022 - Paper 2
Step 1
Evaluate the diagnosis of a mental health disorder is reliable
Answer
The reliability of diagnosing a mental health disorder can be assessed through the consistency of the diagnosis across different practitioners and situations. In this context, Alba's diagnosis of schizophrenia by her psychiatrist raises questions about reliability, especially given the differing opinion of her mother. If two psychiatrists observe the same set of symptoms but arrive at different conclusions, this potentially indicates a flaw in the classification system. Furthermore, cultural differences may influence diagnostic practices and perceptions, suggesting that a purely standardized system may not encompass all aspects necessary for accurate diagnosis.
Step 2
Discuss issues of validity in diagnosing mental health disorders
Answer
The validity of a diagnosis hinges on whether the classification system accurately represents the individual's symptoms and experiences. For example, Alba exhibits symptoms such as losing interest in life and angry outbursts, which could overlap with various mental health disorders. Critics, like Morsley (2019), suggest that DSM-5 may not be adequate in differentiating between closely related disorders, such as personality disorders and schizophrenia. These overlapping symptoms signal potential diagnostic errors, which highlights the need for a more nuanced approach, possibly considering cultural context, like that of the psychiatrist's background and Alba's heritage.
Step 3
Cultural considerations in mental health diagnosis
Answer
Cultural factors play a critical role in mental health diagnosis. Alba's mother's request for a psychiatrist from a similar cultural background signifies the importance of cultural sensitivity in mental health care. The DSM system has been criticized for being culturally biased, possibly leading to misdiagnosis when practitioners are not attuned to cultural nuances. This context underlines the argument that traditional classification systems may not be wholly reliable or valid without acknowledging these factors.