A dimensional model of psychopathology

Abstract

The question of whether mental disorders are discrete clinical conditions or arbitrary distinctions along dimensions of functioning is a longstanding issue, but the importance of this question is escalating with the growing recognition of the frustrations and limitations engendered by the categorical model. Researchers are now focusing their attention on developing alternative dimensional models of classification. Concerns have been raised with regard to these dimensional models. Addressed in this brief commentary are two of these concerns: clinical utility and credibility.