Validity and Reliability of DSM IV TR Diagnostic System

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV-Text Revision (DSM IV TR) has a multiaxial system whereby people are diagnosed with mental illness. Last year, a complete revision of the system was published in the DSM 5. As discussed, there are significant questions and concerns in our current diagnostic system -- Is it valid? (once a person is diagnosed, is it a valid, or "true" diagnosis)? Is it reliable? Here are some simple explanations of validity and reliability for purposes of this class. Please note that there are many types of validity and reliability, and both are important considerations in the development and implementation of research in our field.

VALIDITY:

Validity is the concept of how "true" a result is from any instrument or test. For example, there are a number of personality tests now on facebook that claim to be able to discern, from a few random questions (e.g., what picture looks best to you), what your personality might be like. I would argue that the validity of such measures is questionable. In another example, is the SAT a valid measure of academic ability? A test is valid when it measures what it claims to measure.


RELIABILITY:

Reliability is the concept of consistency. Does the test, when given over and over, produce the same result? A regular bathroom scale should be consistent, for example, and each time you get on the scale, within say an hour or 2, should give you the same result. SATs are very reliable, as are the Praxis tests, and the Myers-Briggs personality indicator.



Given the readings, do you think the current diagnostic system (DSM IV-TR) is Valid? Reliable? Why are validity and reliability important? Is this the best nosology for mental illness?  why is it important to have a diagnostic system and labels?

Reply to these questions, and to at least 2 of your classmates' replies.

Dr. Barrett will be posting content here and will require you to reply to it. In some cases, you will submit content to me so I can post it here on the Blog where other students can review it and reply. Stay tuned!