The Classification of Abnormal Behavior: An Overview

Abstract

Tremendous progress in classifying abnormal behavior has been made in the past 25 years. With the advent of DSM-III and its multiaxial system, along with the purging of psychodynamic theory from classification in favor of operational definitions, we now have a much improved classification scheme. Nonetheless, there is still room for improvement within that system, including a more open-minded evaluation of the feasibility of the medical model, as opposed to a classification system based on classification theory and models, and more empirically based decision making. The latter is expected to occur as the literature base expands, and perhaps future systems will be revolutionary not so much for their changes but for their demonstrations of the validity of earlier schemata. In addition to new classification systems, the atmosphere regarding classification and the ensuing dialogues concerning methods, principles, and models of classification are very positive indications that we will have a better understanding of classification schemes in the future. We are also likely to continue proceeding toward more accurate classification based on truly scientific principles of behavior.

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