The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, now in its fourth edition (DSM-IV), aims to identify mental disorders on the basis of readily observable signs or symptoms in order to minimize idiosyncratic diagnoses. DSM-IV uses a multiaxial system of diagnosis, placing symptoms in their biological and social context by evaluating patients along five axes. Delineate the type of information described in each of the five axes, being sure to include an explanation of the assumption behind the distinction between Axis I and Axis II. Explain why the descriptive approach embedded in DSM-IV tends to be most compatible with a medical model of psychopathology.

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The Answer of The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, now in its fourth edition (DSM-IV), aims to identify mental disorders on the basis of readily observable signs or symptoms in order to minimize idiosyncratic diagnoses. DSM-IV uses a multiaxial system of diagnosis, placing symptoms in their biological and social context by evaluating patients along five axes. Delineate the type of information described in each of the five axes, being sure to include an explanation of the assumption behind the distinction between Axis I and Axis II. Explain why the descriptive approach embedded in DSM-IV tends to be most compatible with a medical model of psychopathology.