Symptom-based diagnostic criteria

Definition

Symptom-based diagnostic criteria are a set of guidelines used by psychologists and psychiatrists to diagnose neurodevelopmental disorders based on the presence or absence of specific symptoms. They provide a standardized framework for assessment and diagnosis.

Related terms

Dimensional approach: Instead of relying solely on specific symptoms, this approach considers the severity and intensity of various traits or characteristics.

Developmental perspective: This focuses on understanding how neurodevelopmental disorders manifest over time and considers factors such as age-appropriate milestones.

Comorbidity: Refers to the presence of two or more disorders in an individual, highlighting that symptoms often overlap between different conditions.