Mental Disorder-The Need for an Accurate Definition
Diogo Telles-Correia1, Sérgio Saraiva1, Jorge Gonçalves2
1Clinica Universitaria de Psiquiatria e Psicologia, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
Frontiers in Psychiatry
|March 30, 2018
Summary
A formal definition of mental disorder is crucial for psychiatry, impacting nosology, research, and legal/ethical considerations. Robert Spitzer
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Mental Health
- Nosology
Background:
- A formal definition of mental disorder is essential for scientific, ethical, legal, and financial reasons within psychiatry.
- The development of the first formal definition was driven by specific challenges in the field.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the factors that led to the creation of the first formal definition of mental disorder.
- To understand the foundational elements that influenced subsequent definitions.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of the historical context and driving forces behind the definition.
- Review of the evolution of the definition and its departures from the original assumptions.
Main Results:
- The first formal definition, developed by Robert Spitzer, aimed to establish an atheoretical, evidence-based classification.
- Key objectives included justifying the removal of homosexuality from classifications and countering antipsychiatry.
- Subsequent updates to the definition have introduced conceptual changes.
Conclusions:
- The initial definition by Spitzer was a pivotal moment, addressing critical issues in psychiatric classification.
- Understanding the origins of this definition is key to comprehending its impact and evolution.
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