Glossary D

Glossary D

Diacylglycerol is defined as a molecule derived from a membrane-bound phospholipid, phosphatidylinositol, that activates protein kinase C, and alters cellular activity.

Diagnosis refers to: (1) the identification of a disorder from an examination of the symptoms; (2) investigation or analysis of the cause or nature of a condition, situation, or problem; (3) the art or act of identifying a disease from its signs and symptoms; and (4) critical perception or scrutiny; judgment based on such scrutiny; especially., perception of, or judgment concerning, motives and character.

Deutsch: Diagnose und Bewertung / Español: Diagnóstico y evaluación / Português: Diagnóstico e avaliação / Français: Diagnostic et évaluation / Italiano: Diagnosi e valutazione

Diagnosis and assessment in psychology refer to the systematic processes used to identify and understand an individual's psychological functioning, including cognitive abilities, emotional states, personality traits, and behavioral patterns. These processes are foundational in developing an understanding of an individual's mental health status, determining the presence of psychological disorders, and planning effective treatment strategies.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is the bible of abnormal psychology. It lists a set of disorders and provides detailed descriptions on what constitutes a disorder such as Major Depression or Anxiety Disorder.

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) refers to a book published by the American Psychiatric Association that contains standard terms and definitions of psychological disorders. It is a comprehensive classification of officially recognized psychiatric disorders for use by mental health professionals to ensure uniformity of diagnosis.

Diagnostic drawing series (DDS) refers to an art therapy assessment tool developed by Cohen, a practicing art therapist.

Diagnostic interview is defined as an interview conducted for the purpose of arriving at a DSM-IV diagnostic formulation.

Diagnostic surgery refers to the process of removing a small amount of tissue either to identify a cancer or to make a diagnosis.