Biological factors primarily cause symptoms and most symptoms usually arise from an altered brain , symptoms are typically treated by biological therapies. Obviously there is frequent overlap. Understand the distinction between mental and personality disorders. Review and learn the DSM-IV multiaxial diagnostic system. Understand the concepts incidence and prevalence.
Incidence refers to the number of new cases per some period of time .
Prevalence refers to the number of existing cases during some specific period of time. Understand the concepts of sensitivity and specificity . A test is sensitive when it accurately identifies the presence of a disorder in a person who has the disorder. A test is specific when it accurately detects the absence of a disorder in a person who does not have the disorder. The most common disorders were major depressive episode, alcohol dependence, social phobia, and simple phobias.