The Primary Purpose of the DSM Is To

question 125

Multiple Choice

The primary purpose of the DSM is to:

• A) help psychologists assess normal, as well as abnormal, behavior.
• B) keep the number of diagnostic categories of mental disorders to a minimum.
• C) provide descriptive criteria for diagnosing mental disorders.
• D) describe the causes of common psychological disorders.

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Definitions:

Evolutionary Perspective

A theoretical approach that explains human behavior and psychological traits as adaptations that evolved to solve recurrent problems in human ancestral environments.

Biological Perspective

A psychological approach that emphasizes bodily events and changes associated with actions, feelings, and thoughts.

Psychological Approach

A method in psychology that focuses on understanding mental processes, behaviors, and disorders through the lens of brain function, emotions, and personality.

Bodily Events

Physical occurrences or phenomena within the body, often related to health, disease, or physiological processes.