What to review for BLEPP: DSM IV-TR or DSM5?

One of the frequently asked questions that we receive on our FB Page is "What to review DSM IV-TR or DSM5 for the BLEPP?" (DSM - Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders / BLEPP - Board Licensure Examinations for Psychologists and Psychometricians).

In the 2016 proposed changes of the TOS (Table of Specifications) for Abnormal Psychology, comparing it with the 2014 TOS, nowhere will you find DSM or ICD 10 specifically or categorically stated as basis for identifying common psychological disorders and its specific symptoms. DSM was a creation of the American Psychiatric Association while the International Classifcation of Diseases (ICD) was made by the World Health Organization (WHO).

So how do we reply to the query. We would answer and reply back to study both DSM IV-TR and DSM5 and be familiarized as well with ICD10. The video below taken from APA link serves as an overview of the changes from the old DSM to the current one. There were reorganization/rearrangement made, some addition on specifier, comorbidity and the like. Some of the major changes, Schizophrenia got expanded through a spectrum;  Mood Disorder is now integrated among Depressive Disorder and Bipolar Disorder; and  Anxiety disorders is now split further into: Obsessive-compulsive and related disorders and Trauma- and stressor-related disorders. It appears that with all the expansion made in DSM5, ICD 10 serves to reflect the older DSM version.

With all those so many disorders so what one should focus into? No definite answer but we would suggest those who ask to refer  to the CHED Course Content since it is the mandated requirements by CHED which I hope the PRC-Board of Psychology would take into consideration when making the exam.

At least cover the following topics:
a) Disorders usually first diagnosed in infancy, childhood or adolescence
b) Cognitive Disorders
c) Substance-related Disorders
d) Schizophrenia and other Psychotic Disorder
e) Mood Disorders
f) Anxiety Disorders
g) Dissociative Disorders
h) Personality Disorders

Still a lot - better be prepared than regret later on.

Below is a video from APA website - http://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/topss/videos-teachers.aspx

 

Other related links:

http://psychometricpinas.blogspot.com/2015/06/dsm5-videos-from-taylor-study-method.html

http://psychometricpinas.blogspot.com/2014/03/dsm-5-update-for-counselors-students.html

http://psychometricpinas.blogspot.com/2015/03/dsm5-various-slide-presentations.html

 http://psychometricpinas.blogspot.com/2014/09/combined-course-specifications-and-tos.html

APA Warning Signs of Major Mental Illnesses

Image source - http://www.psychiatry.org/mental-health/more-topics/warning-signs-of-mental-illness

Recognizing Early Warning Signs of Mental Illnesses

Major mental illnesses such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder rarely appear “out of the blue.” Most often family, friends, teachers, or individuals themselves recognize that “something is not quite right” about their thinking, feelings, or behavior before one of these illnesses appears in its fullblown form.

Being informed about developing symptoms, or early warning signs, can lead to intervention that can help reduce the severity of an illness. It may even be possible to delay or prevent a major mental illness altogether.

What are the Signs and Symptoms to Be Concerned About?

If several of the following are occurring, a serious condition may be developing.

• Recent social withdrawal and loss of interest in others.
• An unusual drop in functioning, especially at school or work, such as quitting sports, failing in school, or difficulty  performing familiar tasks.
• Problems with concentration, memory, or logical thought and speech that are hard to explain.
• Heightened sensitivity to sights, sounds, smells or touch; avoidance of over-stimulating situations.
• Loss of initiative or desire to participate in any activity; apathy.
• A vague feeling of being disconnected from oneself or one’s surroundings; a sense of unreality.
• Unusual or exaggerated beliefs about personal powers to understand meanings or influence events; illogical or  “magical” thinking typical of childhood in an adult.
• Fear or suspiciousness of others or a strong nervous feeling.
• Uncharacteristic, peculiar behavior.
• Dramatic sleep and appetite changes or deterioration in personal hygiene.
• Rapid or dramatic shifts in feelings or “mood swings.”

One or two of these symptoms can’t predict a mental illness. But a person experiencing several together that are causing serious problems in his or her ability to study, work, or relate to others should be seen by a mental health professional. Guidance counselors, teachers or classmates are often the first to notice symptoms.

Suicidal thoughts or attempts and bizarrely violent or homicidal thoughts require immediate attention.

Untreated, these early symptoms may progress to a psychotic episode.That is, the individual may develop irrational beliefs (delusions), serious disturbances in perception (hallucinations), and disordered thought and speech, or become otherwise out of touch with reality. A psychotic episode can develop very gradually and may go untreated for extended periods of time.

Shame, fear, denial, and other factors often prevent individuals or their families from seeking help, even though the emergence of these symptoms as early as the teenage years is not caused by bad parenting. But help is available and treatments for major mental illnesses are more effective than ever before.

When Should Treatment Begin?

Over a decade of research at centers around the world has shown that early intervention can often prevent a first psychotic episode and a hospitalization. Even if a person does not yet show clear signs of a diagnosable mental illness, these “red flag” early warning symptoms can be frightening and disruptive.

The minimal risk of starting treatment even before a mental illness appears in its full-blown, diagnosable form is outweighed by the degree of distress a person and their family may already be experiencing by the time they are referred for mental health screening.

At the very least, the affected person should:

• have a diagnostic evaluation by a trained professional;
• be educated about mental illness and signs and symptoms to watch for;
• receive supportive counseling about daily life and strategies for stress management; and
• be monitored closely for conditions requiring more intensive care.

Family members are valued partners and should be involved in treatment whenever possible. Ongoing family involvement may be essential when a person has not yet accepted the need for treatment.

Each individual’s situation must be assessed carefully and treatment should be individualized. Medication may be useful in reducing some symptoms. Oftentimes, the best treatment involves both medication and some form of talk therapy.

Education about mental illness and what is happening in the brain can help individuals and families understand the significance of symptoms, how an illness might develop, and what can be done to help. For example, families can learn the harmful role that stress can play in accelerating symptoms, and ways to reduce it.

Ongoing individual and family counseling, vocational and educational support, participation in a multi-family problem-solving group, and medication when appropriate, can all be powerful elements of comprehensive treatment to prevent early symptoms from evolving into serious illness.

Just as with other medical illnesses, early intervention can make a crucial difference in preventing what could become a lifelong and potentially disabling psychiatric disorder.

Source link - http://www.psychiatry.org/mental-health/more-topics/warning-signs-of-mental-illness

Brochure download link -  http://www.psychiatry.org/File%20Library/Mental%20IIlness/Lets%20Talk%20Facts/APA_Mental-Illness.pdf

Use Wikipedia as your Review Material for Psychometrician Licensure Exam

(Image Source - http://us.123rf.com/450wm/radiantskies/radiantskies1301/radiantskies130101036/17197657-abstract-word-cloud-for-validity-with-related-tags-and-terms.jpg)

Wikipedia is definitely the most accessible source of information too many of us with internet connection. Who needs books and text book anyway? But of course the academe will frown on you if you would insist on using wikipedia alone and not the scientific canon! So for psychometrician licensure exam reviewers, to resolve such issue, it is always good to check and refer back to your text books.  Make sure though that you also get the latest  text book at least published 3-5 years back. Psychology is a dynamic field of study that continue to evolve with the latest discoveries and scientific researches.

This is where wikipedia comes handy, the content is updated instantaneously, unlike books that will take time to get revised, but now online versions of text books  (e-books) are also now available and you can get updated version from the sites of the publishers, well the disadvantage of course is the costs.

Just to cite an example, in college in the 1990s, 2-3 decades ago, validity has a different meaning with what has evolved in late 20th century (makes me feel so ancient like a dinosaur). So there is now a different reinterpretation of test validity: a traditional view/classical models and current view/modern models  for validity as it is used and understood in psychological testing.

So compare Test Validity on:

• wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Test_validity

• with what is on your textbook - (? year)

• and that of a later  version of textbook say by Miller, McIntire, Lovler (2011), citing  the studies of Brennan, Kane, Goodwin and Leech among others.

• or even a powerpoint presentation Psychometric Principles by Professor John Rust Powerpoint Presentation for the Summer School 2009, Professor John Rust, University of Cambridge  http://psychometricpinas.blogspot.com/2014/01/psychometric-principles-by-professor.html 

• well even the text book by Philippine authors Munarriz and Cervera (2013) still discussed the classical model on test validity.

But then again it is good to know both models, the old and the new and application-wise we would know better which should prevail and more appropriate as concept and in our practice.

So my advise, maximize your internet access and read/review using wikipedia, but double check and refer back to your text book and make sure you get to compare it with a later edition. Supplement your readings with what other materials you can find online from the website of psych organizations (PAP, APA, etc), free online journals, scientific articles, and of course this blog, and even facebook, etc.

And to have some focus on what to read and review refer to this older blog post -
http://psychometricpinas.blogspot.com/p/chedcourse-specification.html


Happy reviewing!

Share your review strategies and materials as well!