The aim of this work was to evaluate the use of classificatory diagnosis in behavioral, cognitive and systemic approaches. Data from literature reveals that in the first approach, the use of classificatory systems is restricted and considered irrelevant for functional analysis of behavior. In the second approach, there are no restrictions as for the use of classificatory systems, which quite resembles the medical model. Finally in the third approach, diagnosis is viewed as a continuous process. Currently, paradigmatic changes in the field of Psychology have been reformulating health/illness concepts, with beneficial reflections in psychological diagnosis.
Psychological approaches; psychological diagnosis; mental disease