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The so called "Hard and Fast" guidelines for the determination of psychiatric illness are:
1) Is the person in question distressed to such a degree by what they are being evaluated for that it interferes with their basic processes (Orientation to time and place, Interaction with other people, maintaining a job and a place to live, nutrition, etc...) If so, its a diagnosable illness and the patient should be evaluated further and a treatment plan formulated.
2) If they pass the first criteria, does it impact their ability to form typical and appropriate attachments and relationships to the point that it causes significant distress to the individual being evaluated? (Dating, marriage, friends, participating in social activities) If so, its a diagnosable illness and the patient should be evaluated further and a treatment plan formulated.
3) If they pass 1 & 2 is there any risk of harm to themselves or anyone or anything specifically? If so, its a diagnosable illness and the patient should be evaluated further and a treatment plan formulated.
4) If they pass 1,2 & 3, even if its listed in the DSM or ICD, they are probably not ill, just weird. Give them a cookie, tell them to try and not freak anyone out too much, and send them home.
Source: Medical Student, Intended Specialty: Psych.
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