Review of MEASUREMENT AND CLASSIFICATION OF PSYCHIATRIC SYMPTOMS: An Instruction Manual for the PSE and Catego Program

Reviews the book, Measurement and Classification of Psychiatric Symptoms: An Instruction Manual for the PSE and Catego Program by J. K. Wing, J. E. Cooper, and N. Sartorius (see record 1975-03367-000). Almost a decade ago, a Committee on Psychosocial Diagnosis and Classification of the American Orthopsychiatric Association proposed the development of a standard classification scheme of psychosocial disorders for use by the many disciplines in various caretaker agencies. In a workshop on this topic, Robert Spitzer also outlined a number of dimensions on which individuals might be rated as a supplement to DSM-11. Included were current levels of impairment in several areas of psychopathology, stage of illness, prognosis with and without treatment, stress, and type of precipitating events. Given the limited objectives, the task has been accomplished admirably. The classification seems a practical beginning of an effort to provide a reliable common language of psychosocial disorders, as now exists in the physical disorders. The availability of an objective methodological tool should contribute to knowledge about the natural history of mental disorders. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)