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1 (a) Describe how the ICD is used as a classification system for mental health - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 1 - 2021 - Paper 2
Question 1
1 (a) Describe how the ICD is used as a classification system for mental health. (b) Explain one strength of using the ICD as a classification system for mental hea... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:1 (a) Describe how the ICD is used as a classification system for mental health - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 1 - 2021 - Paper 2
Step 1
Describe how the ICD is used as a classification system for mental health.
Answer
The ICD, or International Classification of Diseases, serves as a comprehensive diagnostic tool that encompasses all diseases, both physical and mental. Health professionals use it to diagnose service users effectively. When a patient presents symptoms indicative of a mental health disorder, clinicians can refer to the section dedicated to mental and behavioral disorders.
For each disorder, the ICD outlines specific criteria, including the main features and symptoms necessary for accurate diagnosis. For instance, when diagnosing paranoid schizophrenia, the ICD specifies that the condition is characterized by relatively stable paranoid delusions and hallucinations, enabling practitioners to assess and categorize mental health issues systematically.
Step 2
Explain one strength of using the ICD as a classification system for mental health.
Answer
One notable strength of the ICD is its reliability in offering consistent diagnoses across different classification systems. Research by Jakobsen et al. (2005) demonstrated a high level of agreement between the ICD and another major classification system when diagnosing schizophrenia. This reliability means that the ICD can effectively facilitate cross-comparison and understanding across various clinical contexts, enhancing the overall accuracy in mental health diagnoses.