Dsm-5 Ethical Issues

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The most pressing ethical issue with the DSM-5 in my opinion is the lack of clarity for clinicians to label and treat short term symptoms caused from environmental adjustments. For example, an individual suffering bereavement may have the same symptoms tantamount to Major Depressive Disorder reflective of DSM-5; however, because grief is not identified in the DSM-5 this can lead to misdiagnosis and improper diagnosis to support the client financial needs for treatment (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Specifically, insurance companies will provide coverage when diagnosis are identified from the DSM-5, which creates an ethical problem where clinicians may look for ways to circumvent standards to qualify clients who needed medication …show more content…
Specifically, Ruby lived with a malady for some time before she finally had her meltdown where she no longer could withstand the pressure of her illness. To be precise, when faced with a stigma that would drive friends away or prevent opportunities of employment or enjoyment people in general shy away from self-identifying a psychological problem. This was evident in Ruby’s long battle with dysfunction and her melt down could have ended in suicide or significant injury (Wax, 2012). Over the past decade, the psychiatric community has made several strides in reducing stigmatization of mental disorders to help those in need reduce the fear of seeking assistance. Whereas in the past, psychological disorders in the minds of most socially accepted normal people, abnormal behavior meant a trip to the psych ward (Whitbourne and Halgin, 2014). Today with advances in technology and the scientific understanding of abnormal psychology Ruby Wax is simply stating that humanity must be informed to eliminate stigmatization allowing individuals to seek the help they need without threat of losing their entire world (Wax,