A<unk>  is a mental disorder that includes a range of linked conditions, sometimes also extending to include singular symptoms and traits. The different elements of a<unk>  either have a similar appearance or are thought to be caused by the same underlying mechanism. In either case, a<unk>  approach is taken because there appears to be "not a unitary disorder but rather a syndrome composed of subgroups". The<unk>  may represent a range of severity, comprising relatively "severe" mental disorders through to relatively "mild and nonclinical deficits". In some cases, a<unk>  approach joins together conditions that were previously considered separately. A notable example of this trend is the autism<unk> , where conditions on this<unk>  may now all be referred to as autism<unk> s. A<unk>  approach may also expand the type or the severity of issues which are included, which may lessen the gap with other diagnoses or with what is considered "normal". Proponents of this approach argue that it is in line with evidence of gradations in the type or severity of symptoms in the general population.
Spectrum disorder
Externalizing disorder
Internalizing disorder
Frontal lobe disorder
Reactive attachment disorder
Tic disorder
Personality disorder
Psychopathy