Modelli

The critical issues of the most widespread categorical diagnostic models, such as the ICD and the DSM, elicit some reflections: Clinicians must interface with the way psychopathology is considered and how the psychopathology model influences the diagnostic phase and the indication/contraindication to treatment. Recent research has emphasized the importance of embedding the signs and symptoms with neurobiological functioning and a developmental perspective. Recent classification systems [i.e., the Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood - DC: 0-5TM and the Research Domain Criteria - RdoC (Insel et al., 2010)] aim to identify criteria that are useful to the clinician and that overcome the limitations of traditional models. The article outlines the main points of the most up-to-date models of psychopathology, particularly how they integrate different components of the person’s functioning with the developmental and neurobiological levels and the environment. These radical changes make clinicians reflect on how to use psychodiagnostic instruments: Testing was born when different models of psychopathology prevailed. The authors emphasize the importance of using more consciously existing tests, referring to a more current view of psychopathology.