BTSC Staff Nurse 1 August-2025
Mental Health Nursing
Medium
As per DSM-V Proposal of mental disorder, category A is defined as:
Appeared in: BTSC Staff Nurse 1 August-2025
Explanation
- The foundational element of the DSM-5 definition of a mental disorder is the presence of a behavioral or psychological syndrome or pattern that occurs in an individual.
- This initial statement establishes the core phenomenon that is then further qualified by other criteria.
- The other options provided in the question describe the nature, impact, and exclusions related to this primary syndrome, but do not constitute the initial definition itself.
Why Other Options Were Wrong
- Option B: This option describes the underlying origin or cause of the syndrome (a psychobiological dysfunction). While it is a necessary criterion in the full definition, it is not the primary definition of the syndrome itself.
- Option C: This is an exclusion criterion. It serves to set boundaries for the definition by clarifying what a mental disorder is not (i.e., it's not just behavior that society disapproves of). It doesn't define what a mental disorder is.
- Option D: This option describes the clinical consequences or impact of the syndrome (distress or disability). This is a crucial criterion for diagnosis but follows the initial identification of the syndrome.
Related Visual
Clinical Relevance
- Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain DSM-5 Definition of a Mental Disorder as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
- A standardized definition of mental disorders is crucial for nurses and other healthcare professionals to ensure reliable diagnosis, effective communication, and appropriate treatment planning.
- During a mental status examination, nurses actively assess for disturbances in cognition, emotion, and behavior, which are the core components of the syndromes described in the DSM-5.
- Understanding the full definition helps nurses differentiate between true mental disorders, normal reactions to life stressors, and socially deviant behavior, preventing misdiagnosis and stigma.
How to Approach the Question
- First, identify the core concept of the question, which is the definition of a 'mental disorder' according to the DSM-5.
- Note the specific phrasing 'category A'. While this is not official DSM-5 terminology, interpret it as asking for the most fundamental or primary part of the definition.
- Analyze each option to determine its role in the overall definition: Is it the core phenomenon, a cause, a consequence, or an exclusion criterion?
- Option A describes the phenomenon itself (a syndrome). Options B, C, and D describe its characteristics, impact, and boundaries.
- Select the option that represents the foundational concept upon which the other criteria are built.
Concept Tested & Keywords
- Concept Tested: DSM-5 Definition of a Mental Disorder
- Stem keywords: DSM-V, mental disorder, category A
- Lead-in keywords: defined as
- Negative lead-in flag: false
Question ID
Q3t28DwkhveX0ymMGta-E4
Reference Book
E6 Robert Boland, Marcia L. Verduin - Kaplan and Sadock's Comprehensive Text of Psychiatry-Wolters Kluwer Health (2024) (pp 1-16525 of 16525) p. 3913-3915
E6 Guide to Mental Health & PSYCHIATRIC NURSING R Sreevani— Part 1 (pp 26-289 of 579) p. 9-11
Practise the full BTSC Staff Nurse 1 August-2025
Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.
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