Diagnosing disorders

The medical diagnosis of a mental health condition is a complex process of matching an individual’s pattern of physical and psychological symptoms to behaviors associated with a disorder, or disorders. Some conditions, such as a learning disability or neuropsychological problems, are easily identified. Functional disorders that affect personality and conduct are more difficult, however, as they involve numerous biological, psychological, and social factors.

What are mental health disorders?

Mental health disorders are characterized by the presence of unusual or abnormal mood, thinking, and behaviors that cause an individual significant distress or impairment, and disrupt their ability to function. Impairment occurring as the result of common stressors such as bereavement would not be considered a disorder. Diverse social and cultural factors impacting behaviors might also rule out the presence of mental health problems.

CATEGORIES OF DISORDERS

• ❯ Mood disorders
• ❯ Anxiety disorders
• ❯ Obsessive compulsive and related disorders
• ❯ Trauma- and stress-related disorders
• ❯ Neurodevelopmental disorders
• ❯ Psychotic disorders
• ❯ Neurocognitive disorders
• ❯ Addictive and impulse-control disorders
• ❯ Dissociative disorders
• ❯ Eating disorders
• ❯ Communication disorders
• ❯ Sleep disorders
• ❯ Motor disorders
• ❯ Personality disorders
• ❯ Other

Disorders can be classified into diagnostic groups (above); the two main works used to identify, categorize, and organize them are the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Disease (ICD-10) and the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

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Assessment of a mental health condition

Clinical diagnosis is made only after a careful assessment process that includes observation and interpretation of a person’s behaviors and discussion with them and, if relevant, their family, caregivers, and specialist professionals. Putting a name to a person’s distress can help them—and their support systems—gain a deeper understanding of their difficulties and how to manage them better, but it can also negatively shape a person’s outlook and contribute to self-fulfilling prophecies.

Physical examination

A GP will first eliminate physical illness that could be causing symptoms. Medical examination can also reveal intellectual disabilities or speech disorders
due to physical abnormalities. Imaging techniques may be used to test for brain injury or dementia, and blood tests can reveal a genetic predisposition to certain disorders.

Clinical interview

If no physical illness is identified, an individual may be referred to a mental health specialist. They will ask the client about their life experiences, their
family history, and recent experiences that relate to their problem. The conversation will also aim to uncover any predisposing factors, strengths, and vulnerabilities.

Psychological tests

Particular aspects of a person’s knowledge, skill, or personality will be evaluated through a series of tests and/or tasks, usually in the form of checklists
or questionnaires standardized for use on very specific groups. For example, such tests may measure adaptive behaviors, beliefs about the self, or traits of personality disorders.

Behavioral assessment

A person’s behavior will also be observed and measured, normally in the situation where their difficulties occur, to gain an understanding of the factors
that precipitate and/or maintain their symptoms. The person might also be asked to make their own observations by recording a mood diary or using a frequency counter.

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people will be affected by mental or neurological disorders in their lifetime

PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDERS
The distressing symptoms of a psychological disorder often go hand in hand with circular thoughts, feelings, and actions. When the symptoms form a recognizable pattern, a doctor can diagnose and treat a person.