The DSM IV

OK, I am really nerdy, but I was very excited to take my Diagnostic class and get my very own glossy DSM IV (The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). For the most part, I have heard of every psychological disorder in the book, and I have had a kind of database in the back of my head for the criteria for different mental disorders. It's been kind of like a hobby for me. I should have gone into counseling years ago, I guess.

I was telling my coworker about the DSM IV and he says it is like a spell book. I think it kind of is like that. You can know all of the psychological disorders but you have to have expertise to use it correctly and not cause damage. I am still like Harry Potter or the sorcerer's apprentice with the DSM, because I don't have the expertise to go around diagnosing personality disorders, pronouncing spells upon my enemies.

I think the DSM can be very powerful, especially with the changes between editions. For instance, in the DSM III, homosexuality was considered a mental illness and in the DSM IV, it is not. This shows that what our society considers normal vs abnormal changes, and what we decide is normal, can have vast implications for people.

It is debatable whether diagnosis helps or hinders. For instance, a diagnosis can be hurtful, labeling someone as "crazy" in ways that can impact that person's life. Maybe they will live up to the label. On the other hand, a diagnosis can be beneficial. If someone has been living with a problem for a long time, and has been blamed or called lazy or selfish or devious, when in reality it was a mental disorder, so diagnosis is a relief. A diagnosis can lead to proper treatment of distressing problems.

The Western model of mental health is medical. Psychological disorders are called "illnesses" using the same terminology as physical ailments. I tend to agree with the medical model of mental health which is probably why I am so excited about diagnosis.

I'm kind of bummed to see that the DSM V is coming out in 2012, the year I graduate, so I'll have to relearn everything, but it is interesting to see the changes they are coming out with. I, like the sorcerer's apprentice anticipate using the spell book with expertise, to help people without abusing its political and personal power.