Clinical & Cognitive Psychology

Psychology integrates ClinPsych, CogPsych, neuropsych, and developmental perspectives. Evidence-based practice requires understanding DX criteria, therapeutic modalities, and cognitive architecture.

## Diagnostic Frameworks

DSM-5-TR provides standardized DX criteria for mental disorders. Key changes from DSM-IV: eliminated multiaxial system, dimensional assessments added, reorganized chapter structure based on developmental/neurobiological relationships. ICD-11 used internationally, increasingly aligned w/ DSM.

Assessment process: clinical interview (structured SCID vs semi-structured vs unstructured), behavioral observation, psychological testing (validity scales critical — MMPI-3 has F, L, K scales to detect over/underreporting), collateral information. Differential DX: rule out medical causes first (thyroid for depression/anxiety, substance-induced, medication effects). Biopsychosocial model: biological (genetics, neurochemistry), psychological (cognition, personality, coping), social (relationships, SES, culture).

## Major Diagnostic Categories

Depressive disorders: MDD requires 5+ Sx for ≥2 weeks including depressed mood OR anhedonia. SIGECAPS mnemonic: Sleep, Interest (decreased), Guilt, Energy (decreased), Concentration, Appetite, Psychomotor changes, Suicidality. Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia): depressed mood most days for ≥2 years. Specify: w/ anxious distress, mixed features, melancholic, atypical, psychotic features, peripartum onset, seasonal pattern.