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Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
Introduction
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders aims to classify the disorders according to certain criteria that are essential for reliable diagnoses (Paris, 2013, p. 70). Clinicians and researchers use the book as the guide for the essential characteristics of any type of mental disorder. The cultural background, gender, personal biases and of the healthcare professional may influence the diagnosis; however, it is significant to take into account the personal experience of the client as well.
The overall classification of the system
The consideration of the lifespan is essential for the relevant diagnosis (Stein et al., 2010, p. 1763). It is significant to point out that the structure of the DSM-5 became more flexible and improved in terms of diagnostic concepts and criteria (Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, 2013, p. 48). The book provides detailed information concerning the impact of cultural background and gender differences while the diagnostic process.
Strengths and Limitations of the DSM
The major goal of the DSM-5 is to concentrate on the improvement of the system of the criteria and stress the differences in their characteristic. One of the most significant strengths is that the multiaxial system was not addressed (Ginter, 2014, para. 12). There were a couple of reasons to abandon the previously used system. It should be pointed out that the multiaxial system was complicated in usage as it has almost no similarities with the ICD configuration. Moreover, it supported the outdated vision on mental disorders concerning the connection between body and mind. Although DSM-5 provides a deeper understanding of the process of the harmonization of the criteria, the created system has some disadvantages. First and foremost, not all the disparities are addressed. The changing in the diagnostic net makes the understandable behavior seems like the disorder (an individual in grief has only a couple of months not to be diagnosed with the psychiatric disorder) (Shedler et al., 2010, p. 1027).
The Contribution of the Clients Background to the Personal Biases and Diagnosis
Cultural and social values are connected to the development of mental disorders. Culture provides a better understanding of the actions and symptoms. The index of normality is not the same in every culture, and that is, should be taken into account. In the study case, Marvin has some features of depressive disorder that influence his life and communication with the family. Marvin is sure that the cultural biases caused his firing. The loss of interest in daily and favorite activities, pessimistic mood during a long period, anger, and aggressiveness are the signs of depressive disorder.
The Possible Ways to Reduce the Appearance of Biases in Diagnosis
The affective and personal biases may affect the process of decision-making and the evaluation of the diagnosis. The biases commonly occur unconsciously, and the health care specialist should be aware of ways how to omit the prejudice. The information concerning the problems in patient groups provides a deeper understanding of the biases (Mcgee et al., 2015, p. 7). It will be useful to take into account different factors, such as culture, religious beliefs, or sexual preference. Discrimination based on gender, age, or culture should not occur in healthcare. The cognitive biases involve focusing on one symptom and ignoring the other and can be omitted if the physician is concentrated, implies critical thinking, and pays attention to the diagnosis. The relationship between the healthcare provider and the patient based on trust and respect will eliminate every type of biases.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it should be stated that cultural background and experience play a significant role during the diagnosing period. The DSM helps to get better involved in the understanding of the main criteria for the evaluation of the issue.
References
Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5. (5th ed.). (2013). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
Ginter, G. (2014). DSM-5 Conceptual Changes: Innovations, Limitations and Clinical Implications. Web.
Mcgee, S., Bagby, M., Goodwin, B., Burchett, D., Sellbom, M., & Ayearst, L. (2015). The Effect of Response Bias on the Personality Inventory for DSM5 (PID5). Journal of Personality Assessment, 6(2), 1-11.
Paris, J. (2013). The intelligent clinicians guide to the DSM-5 (2nd ed.). Oxford, U. K.: Oxford University Press.
Shedler, J., Beck, A., Fonagy, P., Gabbard, G., Gunderson, J., Kernberg, O., & Westen, D. (2010). Personality Disorders in DSM-5. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 167(9), 1026-1028.
Stein, D., Phillips, K., Bolton, D., Fulford, K., Sadler, J., & Kendler, K. (2010). What is a mental/psychiatric disorder? From DSM-IV to DSM-V. Psychological Medicine, 40(11), 1759-1765.
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