Following are the advantages classification:
• Helps in comprehending complex information and enables communication between professionals.
• Serves as a reference for treatment and prognosis.
• Classification facilitates research.
• Aids in streamlining data collection.
• Enables clinicians to draw comparative picture on the efficiency and efficacy of treatment.
• Helps in reducing victim blaming.
Following are the disadvantages classification:
• Upon classification, we tend to loose personal information about the person suffering from disorder.
• Classification leads to stereotyping, labeling, and stigma. People with mental disorders are often subject to mental stigma, though it is evident that the mental illness is related to biological cause. Mentally ill people are treated with negative attitude across all cultures.
• Classification and diagnosis of certain diseases can also have effect on legal processes with reference to child welfare/custody decisions, managing one's own financials, and criminal liability.