[Commpsych] DSM5

[Kyli Hedrick]

Hi Lauren,



I have not yet finished reading the APS submission concerning the revisions to DSM5, however, I am already concerned about the 'tone' taken by the APS. This positive 'tone' is in contrast, as you mentioned, with the outpourings of criticisms from many other high profile organizations.



I am also concerned about the lowering of diagnostic thresholds, the overemphasis on biological and medical factors (whilst ignoring cultural, social, political and systemic factors) as well as some of the problematic categories of diagnosis, such as Female Sexual Dysfunction and Paraphilic Coercive Disorder, among others.



What do others think?



Warm regards,



Kyli

________________________________
From: commpsych-bounces at lists.curtin.edu.au [commpsych-bounces at lists.curtin.edu.au] on behalf of Lauren Breen [Lauren.Breen at curtin.edu.au]
Sent: Wednesday, 18 July 2012 12:51 PM
To: Commpsych (commpsych at lists.curtin.edu.au)
Subject: [Commpsych] DSM5

Here is the Australian Psychological Society’s submission concerning the revisions to DSM5 http://www.psychology.org.au/Assets/Files/APS-DSM-5-submission.pdf

In my reading of the document, the APS seems to be quite positive – e.g., the APS “sees the DSM-5 revision as implementing several improvements in the conceptualisation and definition of psychiatric disorders” – which contrasts with the at times scathing criticisms levelled by many other professional organisations at the DSM5 revisions.

I’m concerned about comments such as “The APS has no problem about the Paraphilic Coercive Disorder…” – well I am concerned. Doesn’t this label potentially legitimate rape as a mental illness? Same for Pedophilia Disorder. I’m also concerned about the reduced thresholds for diagnosis, the reification of mental disorder, the medicalization of difference, the concern about pharmaceutical kickbacks etc etc.

Thoughts?

Kind regards,
Lauren



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