Diagnosis of schizotypal disorder: reliability of categorial approach or validity of dimensional one?

Abstract

The article examines the problem of modern classifications used in psychiatry (ICD, DSM) that are devoid of the fundamental scientific base and primarily serve the goals of statistics and epidemiological research. In this context researchers are increasingly interested in the relationship between the two diagnostic approaches: categorical and dimensional. It is noted that each of these approaches has its own advantages and disadvantages. In this context it is proposed to take into consideration while making a diagnosis of schizotypal disorder not only typological (categorical) attributes but also dementia characteristics of the patients mental status, which, in the holistic approach, should be compared with the psychological, social and functional diagnosis.