Reliability and Validity in the Diagnosis and Classification of Schizophrenia Flashcards
(14 cards)
What is the reliability of diagnosis?
Refers to whether different psychiatrists give the same diagnosis to a patient.
If two psychiatrists assess the same person and both diagnose schizophrenia, the diagnosis is reliable.
What is the reliability of classification?
Refers to whether different classification systems (e.g. DSM-5, ICD-10) define schizophrenia in the same way.
If both systems describe schizophrenia consistently, the classification is reliable.
What is the validity of diagnosis?
Refers to whether the diagnosis accurately reflects whether the person actually has schizophrenia.
A diagnosis is valid if a person diagnosed with schizophrenia genuinely has the disorder.
What is the validity of classification?
Refers to whether the classification systems accurately describe schizophrenia.
A valid classification clearly captures the true nature and symptoms of schizophrenia.
What factors affect reliability and validity?
Different classification systems, co-morbidity, symptom overlap, culture bias, gender bias.
What is the use of different classification systems?
Refers to using DSM-5 (mainly USA) vs. ICD-10 (used internationally).
DSM-5 requires at least one positive symptom, while ICD-10 allows for two negative symptoms to be enough, leading to inconsistencies in diagnosis.
What is co-morbidity?
When a person has two or more disorders at the same time.
A person with schizophrenia may also be diagnosed with depression.
What does co-morbidity affect?
Validity of classification (unclear if these are separate disorders or one complex condition).
What is symptom overlap?
When different mental disorders share the same symptoms.
Both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder may include delusions and avolition.
What does symptom overlap affect?
Validity and reliability of diagnosis.
What is culture bias?
The over- or under-diagnosis of schizophrenia based on cultural background.
In the UK, individuals of Afro-Caribbean descent are 7x more likely to be diagnosed than white individuals.
What does culture bias affect?
Validity: May not reflect true prevalence but rather cultural misunderstanding.
What is gender bias?
The differential diagnosis of schizophrenia based on gender.
Women are often under-diagnosed.
What does gender bias affect?
Validity: Women may go undiagnosed despite having schizophrenia.
