The most recent revision of the DSM has raised significant debate, and it appears that some groups are now agitating for a complete re-thinking of psychiatric diagnosis. As mentioned earlier on this page, the clinical psychology branch of the British Psychiatric Society is distancing itself from the DMS-5, and moving away from the diagnostic model of care. The Diagnostic Summit Committee dxsummit.org/mission has been formed as an “an internet-based platform for open discussion about alternatives to the current diagnostic paradigm.” This group is calling for radical change to diagnostic paradigms, positing: “Mounting scientific evidence has indicated that DSM- and ICD- based categories do not reflect patterns of mental distress found in both clinical and general populations. The genetic and biological substrates of mental disorder appear to be multifactorial and nonspecific, with varied correlates appearing within and across multiple disorder categories. Further, reports from clinicians indicate that patients are often labeled with conditions they do not seem to have, simply for the purpose of securing treatment.” At the same time, families and people diagnosed with autism and Aspergers have been vocal in their concern about the tightening in the DSM5 of diagnostic criteria around autism spectrum disorder. Is this the demise of diagnosis? Or is it a step towards more, but different diagnosis? The debates underline important social issues in the shaping, and influence of diagnosis on how we understand mental health.
Posted on: Mon, 27 May 2013 09:29:57 +0000
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