In the field of clinical human sciences, an idiographic image is the representation of a result which has been obtained thanks to a study or research method whose subject-matters are specific cases, i.e. a portrayal which avoids

nomothetic Nomothetic literally means "proposition of the law" (Greek derivation) and is used in philosophy, psychology, and law with differing meanings. Etymology In general humanities usage, ''nomothetic'' may be used in the sense of "able to lay down ...

generalizations.

''Diagnostic formulation'' follows an ''idiographic criterion'', while ''diagnostic classification'' follows a ''nomothetic criterion''.Battacchi M.W., (1990), ''Trattato enciclopedico di psicologia dell'età evolutiva'', Piccin, Padova.

In the field of psychiatry, psychology and clinical

psychopathology Psychopathology is the study of abnormal cognition, behaviour, and experiences which differs according to social norms and rests upon a number of constructs that are deemed to be the social norm at any particular era. Biological psychopatholo ...

, idiographic criterion is a method (also called '' historical method'') which involves evaluating past experiences and selecting and comparing information about a specific individual or event. An example of ''idiographic image'' is a report, diagram or health history showing medical, psychological and pathological features which make the subject under examination unique.

Where there is no prior detailed presentation of clinical data, the summary should present sufficient relevant information to support the diagnostic and aetiological components of the formulation. The term ''diagnostic formulation'' is preferable to diagnosis, because it emphasises that matters of clinical concern about which the clinician proposes aetiological hypotheses and targets of intervention include much more than just diagnostic category assignment, though this is usually an important component.Shields R., ''Emergency psychiatry. Review of psychiatry''. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 37, 4, 498-499, 2003.

The expression ''idiographic image'' appeared for the first time in 1996 in the

SESAMO SESAMO is the acronym of ''Sexrelation Evaluation Schedule Assessment Monitoring'', is an Italian psychometric and psychological standardised and validated questionnaire (see Tab. 1) to examine single and couple aspect life, sexuality, interperso ...

research method manual.Boccadoro L., (1996) ''

: Sexuality Evaluation Schedule Assessment Monitoring. Approccio differenziale al profilo idiografico psicosessuale e socioaffettivo''. O.S., Firenze. IT\ICCU\CFI\0327719 This term was coined to mean that the report of the test provided an anamnestic report containing a family, relational and health history of the subject and providing semiological data regarding both the psychosexual and the social-affective profile. These profiles were useful to the clinician in order to formulate

pathogenetic Pathogenesis is the process by which a disease or disorder develops. It can include factors which contribute not only to the onset of the disease or disorder, but also to its progression and maintenance. The word comes from Greek πάθος ''pat ...

and pathognomonic hypotheses.Boccadoro L., Carulli S., (2008)
The place of the denied love. Sexuality and secret psychopathologies (Abstract English, Spanish, Italian)
'. Edizioni Tecnoprint, Ancona.

Bibliography

External links

Glossario di Sessuologia clinica - Glossary of clinical sexology
Clinical psychology Personality traits Psychiatric assessment {{psychiatry-stub

See also

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External links