Why is it important to have a widely recognized classification system for abnormal behavior?

Answer 1

In the field of abnormal psychology, there are varying degrees of skill in the practitioners, and therefore dramatic differences in the ability to make an accurate diagnosis and subsequent treatment based on analysis and case history.

It is, therefore, important to establish easily-recognizable patterns of behavior associated with a particular pathology, and a typical treatment program generally recognized to be beneficial to the patient, to assist the treatment team.

Example: A fellow begins to shake, scream, sweat, and pick bugs off his skin. Medical history shows alcoholism, and the treatment staff can logically assume delirium tremons and immediately administer B-12 and Librium, which may well save his life.

The fly in the ointment is an over-reliance on "canned" diagnosis, leading to inexacting treatment with poor results. It is important, therefore, to apply historical knowledge such as a classification system, as well as keen powers of observation to detect certain anomalies that require specific treatment.


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Answer 2

It isn't.
It's just a bunch of "labels" that increase in number every year after the APA general meeting. The psychiatrists all vote on the new ones. It is based only on opinion .Abnormal according to their opinion.If they like them they get added to their DSM.
These "disorders" are not actual, there is no medical or scientific criterea. There are no cures.

The main importance is to promote the idea that mental abnormalities are increasing so they can keep getting their government appropriations and hooking people onto addictive drugs which
generate billions of $'s for the drug companies.
60 years ago none of these "abnormalities" existed.
It's a scam.

Answer 3

If by "abnormal behavior" you mean "mental health disorders", then the reason is that it makes it easier and more efficient for doctors to diagnose their patients, and to discuss that diagnosis and/or the treatments for it with other doctors.

It also makes training doctors easier and more effective. How could you teach someone how to diagnose mental health problems if everyone calls them by a different name, or doesn't even recognize the same disorders at all?