Diagnostic Criteria and Applications of Major Psychological Disorders

What are the core criteria for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) according to DSM-5?

The DSM-5 requires at least five of nine symptoms present during the same 2-week period, representing a change from previous functioning, with at least one symptom being either depressed mood or anhedonia; symptoms include feelings of sadness, loss of interest, weight change, sleep disturbance, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, difficulty concentrating, and suicidal ideation.

How does DSM-5 differentiate Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) from Major Depressive Disorder?

Persistent Depressive Disorder involves a depressed mood lasting most of the day, for more days than not, for at least 2 years (1 year in children), with fewer or milder symptoms than MDD, and without a history of manic or hypomanic episodes.

What are the key diagnostic criteria for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Excessive anxiety and worry occurring more days than not for at least 6 months about various events or activities, accompanied by at least three of six symptoms: restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, sleep disturbance.

Which DSM-5 criteria distinguish Panic Disorder from other anxiety disorders?

Recurrent unexpected panic attacks characterized by sudden intense fear or discomfort, with at least one attack followed by a month or more of persistent concern about additional attacks, or maladaptive behavior to avoid them; attacks include symptoms like palpitations, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, dizziness.

What are the diagnostic features of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

Exposure to a traumatic event with persistent re-experiencing (flashbacks, nightmares), avoidance of trauma-related stimuli, negative alterations in cognition and mood, and hyperarousal symptoms lasting more than 1 month, causing significant distress or impairment.

Which symptoms are essential for diagnosing Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Presence of obsessions (intrusive, unwanted thoughts) and/or compulsions (repetitive behaviors or mental acts) that are time-consuming, cause distress, or impair functioning.

What distinguishes Schizophrenia from Schizoaffective Disorder in DSM-5 criteria?

Schizophrenia involves characteristic psychotic symptoms (hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech) for at least 6 months, with at least 1 month of active symptoms, without prominent mood episodes. Schizoaffective Disorder includes a mood disorder component concurrent with psychotic symptoms, with mood episodes present for a majority of the illness duration but not solely during psychosis.

What are the primary criteria for diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts, along with restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities; symptoms must be present in early developmental period and cause significant impairment.

How is Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) diagnosed in DSM-5?

Inattentiveness and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms lasting at least 6 months, with several symptoms present before age 12, occurring in two or more settings, and causing impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning.

What are the DSM-5 criteria for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)?

A problematic pattern of alcohol use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as evidenced by at least two of eleven criteria within a 12-month period, including larger amounts over longer periods, unsuccessful efforts to cut down, time spent obtaining or recovering from alcohol, cravings, failure to fulfill obligations, continued use despite problems, tolerance, and withdrawal.

What is the main DSM-5 criterion for diagnosing Bipolar I Disorder?

At least one manic episode lasting at least 1 week (or any duration if hospitalization is necessary), characterized by abnormally elevated, expansive, or irritable mood and increased goal-directed activity or energy, with additional symptoms like inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, talkativeness, distractibility, and risky behaviors.

How does DSM-5 define a Specific Phobia?

Marked fear or anxiety about a specific object or situation (e.g., heights, animals) that is disproportionate to the actual danger, leading to avoidance or distress, lasting at least 6 months, and causing impairment.

What are the DSM-5 criteria for Anorexia Nervosa?

Restriction of energy intake relative to requirements leading to significantly low body weight, intense fear of gaining weight, and disturbance in the way one's body weight or shape is experienced, often involving denial of the seriousness of low weight.

What distinguishes Bulimia Nervosa from Anorexia in DSM-5?

Recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors (vomiting, laxatives, fasting, excessive exercise) at least once a week for three months; unlike anorexia, individuals may have normal or above-normal weight.

Which criteria are used to diagnose Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?

A pervasive pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affects, along with marked impulsivity, beginning by early adulthood, indicated by five or more criteria such as frantic efforts to avoid abandonment, unstable relationships, identity disturbance, impulsivity, recurrent suicidal behavior, affective instability, chronic feelings of emptiness, intense anger, and transient stress-related paranoia or dissociation.

What are the DSM-5 criteria for Conduct Disorder?

A repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior violating societal norms or the rights of others, with at least three of twelve criteria (such as aggression to people or animals, destruction of property, deceitfulness or theft, serious violations of rules) in the past 12 months, with at least one criterion in the past 6 months.

How is Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) characterized in DSM-5?

A pattern of angry/irritable mood, defiant behavior, and vindictiveness lasting at least 6 months, with at least four symptoms like losing temper, arguing with authority figures, defying rules, deliberately annoying others, blaming others, being touchy or easily annoyed, and angry or resentful.

What are the features of Substance Use Disorder as per DSM-5?

A problematic pattern of substance use leading to significant impairment or distress, with at least two of eleven criteria (such as craving, unsuccessful efforts to cut down, much time spent obtaining or using, failure to fulfill major roles, continued use despite problems, tolerance, withdrawal) within 12 months.

What is the DSM-5 criterion for Insomnia Disorder?

Difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, or non-restorative sleep, occurring at least three nights per week for at least 3 months, causing significant distress or impairment.

How does DSM-5 define Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)?

The presence of two or more distinct personality states or identities, each with its own relatively enduring pattern of perceiving, relating to, and thinking about the environment and self, accompanied by gaps in recall of everyday events, personal information, or traumatic events.