Understanding Psychological Disorders: The DSM Approach

Psychological disorders are patterns of behavioral or psychological symptoms that impact multiple areas of life. Most of these disorders are classified into different categories based on the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which is a widely used system for diagnosing mental health conditions.

Until the release of DSM III in 1980, the categories were vague and subjective. Accordingly, a person could be diagnosed differently, depending on the clinician’s own biases. DSM describes over three hundred mental disorders. The descriptions and diagnostic criteria in the later editions of DSM help clinicians in some ways but interfere with individual needs by forcing clients into arbitrarily designed categories. The uniform definitions for diagnose psychological disorders make them appear like other diseases. However there is a significant difference.

Key Definition:

Psychological disorders, also known as mental disorders, are conditions characterized by abnormal thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. These disorders can significantly impact a person’s daily functioning and quality of life. They encompass a wide range of conditions, including anxiety disorders, mood disorders (such as depression and bipolar disorder), schizophrenia, and various other psychiatric conditions. Treatment often involves a combination of therapy, medication, and support services to help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their well-being.

Introduction

Most medical diseases have a procedure or test that can verify the accuracy of diagnosis. Doctors can perform blood test and MRI’s to validate a diagnosis from the symptoms. Medical machinery can unveil hidden tissue abnormalities, or physical injuries. Unfortunately, Psychological disorders mostly have no medical procedures that can dig beyond the symptoms to confirm a clinicians suspicions.

Many of the disorders overlap, sharing multiple symptoms. The current method of diagnosis and treatment is much improved from previous methods. However, the process is far from perfect. Randolph Nesse explains:

“DSM-III increased objectivity dramatically, at the cost of discouraging careful clinical evaluations” (Nesse, 2019).

The Main Divisions of Psychological Disorders

Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Neurodevelopmental disorders encompass a group of conditions that primarily affect the development of the nervous system, impacting functions such as learning, attention, memory, and behavior. These disorders typically manifest early in development and can persist throughout life. Examples include autism spectrum disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and intellectual disabilities. Early recognition and intervention can significantly improve the long-term outcomes for individuals with these conditions.

A few examples of these are:

intellectual disability,
autism spectrum disorder,
and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders

This is a category of mental disorders characterized by disturbances in thinking, perception, emotions, and behavior. This category includes conditions such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, schizophreniform disorder, delusional disorder, brief psychotic disorder, and others. These disorders can significantly impact an individual’s ability to function in daily life and often require long-term treatment and support. Early detection and intervention are crucial for managing these conditions effectively.

These may include:

See Psychosis for more on these type of psychological disorders

Mood Disorders

Mood disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by significant changes in mood. They can manifest as periods of extreme sadness, excessive happiness, or a mix of both. Common types of mood disorders include major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and cyclothymic disorder. These conditions can significantly impact a person’s daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.

Bipolar and related disorders, such as bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, and cyclothymic disorder.
Depressive disorders, such as major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

See Mood Disorders for more on this type of psychological disorders

Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders (OCRDs) encompass a group of mental health conditions characterized by intrusive, distressing thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions). These conditions include obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), body dysmorphic disorder, hoarding disorder, trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder), excoriation (skin-picking) disorder, and some related disorders. Individuals with OCRDs often experience significant impairment in daily functioning, and treatment typically involves a combination of therapy and medication.

Some of these are:

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD),
Body dysmorphic disorder,
Hoarding disorder.

Trauma and Stress Related Disorders encompass a range of mental health conditions triggered by traumatic or stressful experiences. These may include Acute Stress Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Adjustment Disorders, and Reactive Attachment Disorder, among others. These disorders can have profound impacts on an individual’s psychological well-being and often require professional intervention for effective management and treatment.

Dissociative Disorders

Dissociative disorders are mental health conditions characterized by a disconnection between a person’s thoughts, identity, consciousness, and memory. Consequently, this may manifest as a lack of connection with one’s surroundings, a sense of detachment from one’s emotions, or gaps in memory. It can include conditions such as dissociative amnesia, dissociative identity disorder (formerly known as multiple personality disorder), and depersonalization/derealization disorder. These disorders often develop as a coping mechanism in response to trauma or overwhelming stress. Treatment typically involves psychotherapy aimed at integrating the different aspects of identity.

Some of these are:

dissociative identity disorder,
dissociative amnesia,
and depersonalization/derealization disorder

See Dissociative Disorders for more information on these types of psychological disorders

Somatic Symptom Disorders, also known as SSDs, encompass a group of conditions in which individuals experience distressing physical symptoms that may not have a clear medical explanation. These symptoms often lead to excessive thoughts, feelings, or behaviors related to the symptoms, causing significant disruption in daily life. Some common somatic symptom disorders include somatic symptom disorder, illness anxiety disorder, and conversion disorder. Treatment typically involves a combination of therapy and, in some cases, medication. If you suspect you may be experiencing symptoms of a somatic symptom disorder, it’s important to seek professional help for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.

Some of these are:

somatic symptom disorder,
illness anxiety disorder,
and conversion disorder.

Feeding and Eating Disorders

Feeding and eating disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by abnormal eating habits that can negatively impact a person’s physical or mental health. These disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder. They often involve a preoccupation with food, body weight, and shape, and can lead to severe disturbances in eating behavior. It’s important to seek professional help if you or someone you know may be struggling with a feeding or eating disorder.

Some of these are:

anorexia nervosa,
bulimia nervosa,
and binge-eating disorder.

Elimination Disorders

Elimination Disorders refer to a group of disorders characterized by the inability to control urination or defecation. These can include conditions such as enuresis (involuntary urination) and encopresis (involuntary defecation), typically diagnosed in children. The causes can vary from physical to psychological factors, and treatment often involves a combination of behavioral, psychological, and medical interventions.

enuresis
and encopresis.

Personality Disorders

Personality disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by enduring patterns of inner experience and behavior that deviate markedly from the expectations of the individual’s culture. These patterns typically manifest in areas such as cognition, affectivity, interpersonal functioning, and impulse control. Personality disorders can cause significant distress and impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

Some of these are:

See Personality Disorders for more on these type of psychological disorders.

Sleep-Wake Disorders

Sleep-Wake Disorders, also known as circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders, are a group of conditions characterized by disruptions in a person’s sleep pattern. These disorders can affect the timing of sleep, resulting in difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, waking up, or feeling rested. They can also cause excessive sleepiness or a lack of synchronization between the internal body clock and the external environment. Common examples include insomnia, narcolepsy, and shift work sleep disorder. The impact of sleep-wake disorders can vary from mild to severe, affecting an individual’s overall well-being, daily functioning, and quality of life.

Some of these are:

insomnia disorder,
hypersomnolence disorder,
and narcolepsy.

Sexual Dysfunctions

Sexual dysfunction disorders in psychology encompass a range of difficulties that interfere with a person’s ability to experience sexual satisfaction. These disorders can manifest as issues with sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, or pain during sexual activity. Common types of sexual dysfunction disorders include erectile dysfunction, female sexual interest/arousal disorder, premature ejaculation, and genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder. These disorders can have various causes, including psychological factors, medical conditions, or the side effects of medications. Accordingly, treatment often involves a multidisciplinary approach that may include therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes.

Some of these are:

erectile disorder,
female orgasmic disorder,
and premature ejaculation.

Gender Dysphoria

Gender dysphoria is a condition where a person experiences discomfort or distress because there’s a mismatch between their biological sex and their gender identity. This mismatch can cause significant emotional and psychological distress. People with gender dysphoria may experience a strong desire to be a different gender, discomfort with their body, and difficulty coping with the social aspects of their gender. It’s important to note that not all individuals who experience gender dysphoria will choose to undergo medical or surgical gender transition. Treatment options for gender dysphoria may include therapy, hormone therapy, and/or surgery, depending on the individual’s needs and goals.

Disruptive, Impulse-Control Disorders

Disruptive, Impulse-Control Disorders, also known as Impulse-Control Disorders, are a group of psychiatric conditions characterized by the inability to resist impulses or urges, leading to harmful behaviors. These disorders include conditions such as oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, intermittent explosive disorder, kleptomania, pyromania, and others. Individuals with these disorders often struggle with emotional regulation and can experience difficulties in personal, social, and professional domains. Therapy and medication are common treatments for these disorders.

Some of these are:

oppositional defiant disorder,
conduct disorder,
and intermittent explosive disorder.

Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders, as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), encompass a range of conditions related to the use of substances including alcohol, opioids, stimulants, hallucinogens, and other drugs. These disorders are characterized by the frequent and intense use of substances, leading to significant impairment in daily functioning and a variety of physical, psychological, and social problems. Examples of these disorders include substance use disorders, substance-induced disorders, and other substance-related conditions. Treatment often involves a combination of therapy, medication, and support services tailored to the individual’s specific needs.

Some of these are:

alcohol use disorder,
and opioid use disorder

See Substance Use Disorders for more on these psychological disorders

Neurocognitive Disorders

Neurocognitive Disorders, also known as neurocognitive deficits, refer to a range of conditions characterized by a decline in cognitive function. This can include impairments in areas such as memory, attention, language, and problem-solving skills. Neurocognitive Disorders can be caused by various factors, including neurodegenerative diseases, substance abuse, traumatic brain injury, or other medical conditions. These disorders can significantly impact an individual’s daily functioning and quality of life.

Common types of Neurocognitive Disorders include Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia, among others. Markedly, the diagnosis and treatment of these disorders often require the involvement of healthcare professionals specializing in neurology, psychiatry, and neuropsychology.

Some of these are:

Alzheimer’s disease,
Parkinson’s disease,
and traumatic brain injury.

Paraphilic Disorders

Paraphilic Disorders refer to a group of conditions characterized by intense sexual urges, fantasies, or behaviors that involve non-human objects, suffering or humiliation of oneself or one’s partner, or children or other non-consenting persons. These behaviors may cause distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. Treatment often involves therapy to address these harmful urges and behaviors.

Some of these are:

voyeuristic disorder,
exhibitionistic disorder,
and pedophilic disorder.

Other Mental Disorders

Mental disorders that do not fit under any specific category in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) are often classified as “Other Specified Disorder” or “Unspecified Disorder.” Notably, these categories allow clinicians to acknowledge the presence of a mental health issue that does not meet the full criteria for any specific disorder listed in the DSM.

For example, the DSM-5 replaces the previous “Not Otherwise Specified (NOS)” categories with these two options to increase utility for clinicians. The “Other Specified Disorder” allows the clinician to specify the reason that the criteria for a specific disorder are not met, while the “Unspecified Disorder” allows the clinician the option to forgo specification1.

Markedly, it’s important to note that only an experienced mental health professional can make a diagnosis, and these categories are used when a more precise diagnosis is not possible at the time of assessment. For more detailed information, you can refer to the DSM-5 manual or consult with a mental health professional.

Some Psychological Disorders Not Specified in the DSM are:

Medication-Induced Movement Disorders and Other Adverse Effects of Medication

Medication-Induced Movement Disorders (MIMDs) refer to a group of neurological disorders caused by the use of certain medications. These disorders can manifest as involuntary movements, tremors, or muscle rigidity. Common examples include tardive dyskinesia, drug-induced parkinsonism, and akathisia.

On the other hand, Other Adverse Effects of Medication encompass a wide range of non-movement related negative reactions to medications. These can include allergic reactions, organ toxicity, hormonal imbalances, and many other potential side effects that may arise from the use of medication.

When assessing these conditions, it’s important to work closely with healthcare professionals to identify potential medication-related issues and adjust treatment as necessary.

Some of these are:

neuroleptic malignant syndrome
and tardive dyskinesia.

Other Conditions that May Be a Focus of Clinical Attention

A diagnosed illness is not the only reason an individual may seek clinical assistance. Life is challenging. Consequently, we often crash into the end of our physical, emotional, and mental resources and need a little boost from professional guidance. Seeking clinical assistance can also stem from a desire for personal growth and self-improvement. Accordingly, by employing the help of a professional, individuals can gain valuable tools to navigate life’s challenges, enhance their well-being, and develop resilience. It’s important to recognize that seeking help is a sign of strength and a proactive approach to maintaining one’s overall health. Whether it’s to address a specific issue, manage stress, or simply improve one’s quality of life, reaching out for clinical assistance can be a positive and empowering step towards holistic wellness.

Some of these are:

relational problems,
academic problems,
and bereavement.

A Few Words By Psychology Fanatic

These divisions are not mutually exclusive, and some people may have more than one psychological disorder at the same time. Accordingly, diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders depend on numerous factors, such as the severity of the symptoms, the impact on functioning, and the availability of resources.

Most Psychological disorders are treatable. Psychiatrist Randolph Nesse wrote, “almost all psychiatric problems can be helped, and treatment remarkably often provides an enduring cure” (Nesse, 2019).

Last Update: February 28, 2026

References:

Nesse, Randolph M. (2019). Good Reasons for Bad Feelings: Insights from the Frontier of Evolutionary Psychiatry. ‎Dutton; 1st edition. ISBN-10: 0141984910
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