1
Controversies/Problems with the DSM System
Presented by
Institutional Affiliation
Subject
Professor’s Name
Date
PR
O
FD
O
C
, 2
Problems/Controversies with the DSM
Introduction
This paper aims to provide a critical analysis of problems and controversies associated
with DSM. Hammond (2021) defines the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health
Disorders (DSM) as a model for diagnosing mental health problems. The model was introduced
in the United States and is currently being applied in different countries worldwide. DSM
describes and classifies mental health disorders by creating a common language for
communication between mental health professionals regarding client outcomes. Over the years,
PR
the DSM has gone through significant changes from DSM-1 to the current DSM-5. The DSM
offers a standardized method of classifying mental health disorders across the globe, allowing
psychologists to diagnose clients quickly based on their presenting issues. Still, the model has
O
been criticized for its applicability, posing many problems.
FD
Discussion
Overview of DSM-History and Purpose
The need to create a classification for mental health disorders in medicine has been
O
unclear for many years. However, after years of delegation, scientists and medical professionals
decided to introduce an optimal framework for diagnosing mental health disorders (Kawa &
C
Giordano, 2012). The United States tried to develop a classification of mental disorders to help
collect statistical information on victims of World War I. The method involved recording the
frequency of insanity/ or idiocy among soldiers and their families during the 1840 census. In
1880, seven mental health categories were developed: monomania, mania, melancholia,
dementia, epilepsy, paresis, and dipsomania (American Psychiatric Association (APA), 2023).
Controversies/Problems with the DSM System
Presented by
Institutional Affiliation
Subject
Professor’s Name
Date
PR
O
FD
O
C
, 2
Problems/Controversies with the DSM
Introduction
This paper aims to provide a critical analysis of problems and controversies associated
with DSM. Hammond (2021) defines the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health
Disorders (DSM) as a model for diagnosing mental health problems. The model was introduced
in the United States and is currently being applied in different countries worldwide. DSM
describes and classifies mental health disorders by creating a common language for
communication between mental health professionals regarding client outcomes. Over the years,
PR
the DSM has gone through significant changes from DSM-1 to the current DSM-5. The DSM
offers a standardized method of classifying mental health disorders across the globe, allowing
psychologists to diagnose clients quickly based on their presenting issues. Still, the model has
O
been criticized for its applicability, posing many problems.
FD
Discussion
Overview of DSM-History and Purpose
The need to create a classification for mental health disorders in medicine has been
O
unclear for many years. However, after years of delegation, scientists and medical professionals
decided to introduce an optimal framework for diagnosing mental health disorders (Kawa &
C
Giordano, 2012). The United States tried to develop a classification of mental disorders to help
collect statistical information on victims of World War I. The method involved recording the
frequency of insanity/ or idiocy among soldiers and their families during the 1840 census. In
1880, seven mental health categories were developed: monomania, mania, melancholia,
dementia, epilepsy, paresis, and dipsomania (American Psychiatric Association (APA), 2023).
