From categorical to dimensional diagnostics: Deficiency-oriented versus person-centred diagnostics

The problem of inhomogeneous categories and the difficulty of drawing boundaries as well as individual progression of the severity of psychopathologic phenomena necessitate a change of paradigm from categorical to dimensional diagnostics. Not only pathogenetic factors but also disorder maintaining factors such as the stigmatization and the significance of the disorder for the patient must be factored into the diagnostic process to ensure therapy relevancy. In addition to this deficiency-oriented approach holistic person-centred diagnostics focuses on the integration of resources, i.e. the abilities and skills, talents and inclinations of the patient, in order to adequately help a patient to resume/live an autonomous life that is as happy as possible.