Classifications are useful because they enable psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers -
● to communicate with each other about the disorder
● to help in understanding the causes
● to know the processes involved in their development and maintenance.
DSM - Diagnostic and Statistical Manual- The American Psychiatric Association (APA) classifies various kinds of psychological disorders on the basis of discrete clinical criteria which indicate the presence or absence of disorders.
ICD - International Classification of Behavioral and Mental Disorders prepared by WHO For each disorder, a description of the main clinical features or symptoms, and of other associated features including diagnostic guidelines is provided in this scheme.
