Which statement about starting a diagnosis by class is true?

• A. It is true
• B. It is false
• C. Not specified
• D. Depends

Answer: (A)

Starting with a broad diagnostic class provides an organizing framework for assessment. In many clinical models, disorders are grouped into wide categories (such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, substance-related disorders). Beginning with the class helps you quickly categorize the problems, map symptoms to the relevant criterion set, and choose appropriate screening tools and questions to gather accurate information. It also guides the differential diagnosis—once you place the case in a class, you can narrow down to specific disorders within that class and rule out others that don’t fit. This approach supports efficient triage and targeted treatment planning, and it aligns with how professionals commonly communicate about diagnoses. While some cases may be approached from presenting problems or symptom clusters, starting with a class is a standard, valid practice in many diagnostic frameworks.