Asked by Achsah Clark on Feb 29, 2024
Verified
The primary purpose of the DSM is to:
A) help psychologists assess normal, as well as abnormal, behavior.
B) keep the number of diagnostic categories of mental disorders to a minimum.
C) provide descriptive criteria for diagnosing mental disorders.
D) describe the causes of common psychological disorders.
DSM
A publication by the American Psychiatric Association that provides a common language and standard criteria for the classification of mental disorders.
Diagnostic Categories
Diagnostic categories are classifications used in the medical and psychological fields to systematically identify and describe specific disorders or diseases based on standardized criteria.
Descriptive Criteria
Guidelines or characteristics used to describe or classify something in detail.
- Acknowledge the goal, strengths, and criticisms related to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
Verified Answer
RC
Regan CainesFeb 29, 2024
Final Answer :
C
Explanation :
The DSM provides descriptive criteria for diagnosing mental disorders. It does not attempt to explain the causes of these disorders or assess normal behavior. While the DSM may have a limited number of diagnostic categories, its primary purpose is to describe the symptoms and criteria for diagnosing mental disorders.
Learning Objectives
- Acknowledge the goal, strengths, and criticisms related to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).