Idiographic image

In the field of clinical sciences, an idiographic image (from greek ιδιος-γραφιχος: "ídios" + "graphikós", meaning "to describe a peculiarity") 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 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. ISBN 88-299-0206-3 ]

In the field of psychiatry, psychology and clinical psychopathology, 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. [http://member.melbpc.org.au/~rshields/psychiatricformulation.html] ]
#The expression idiographic image appeared for the first time in 1996 in the SESAMO research method Manual. Boccadoro L., (1996) "SESAMO: Sexuality Evaluation Schedule Assessment Monitoring. Approccio differenziale al profilo idiografico psicosessuale e socioaffettivo". O.S., Firenze. ITICCUCFI