Saving Normal Allen Frances Analysis

Allen Frances, in Saving Normal(20??), discusses the fads in psychiatric diagnosis in the past, present and future. He provides the reader with specific examples of how fads from the past affected individuals and society. Frances does a good job describing the fads that are currently taking place in our society and what to look out for in the future. There were certain things from each of the chapters that moved me. It was interesting how Frances explained that fads were common during times of instability, uncertainty, and change. I agree when he suggested that the more we know about the fads in the past, the less likely we are to mindlessly repeat them in the future(p??). One thing that I enjoyed reading was how demonic possessions were a
He mentions how the changes that will be made in future diagnosis will be subject to unexpected misinterpretation and misuse under pressure from drug companies, school services , disability requirements and the legal system(p.173). I was shocked how people want to turn temper tantrums into a mental disorder called Disruptive tantrums dysregulation disorder (DMDD). I agreed with France when he stated, ”We should not have the ambition to label as mental disorder every inconvenient or distressing aspect of childhood” (p 177). Temper tantrums are very normal in children and making it into a diagnosis will only be widely inclusive making people inappropriately diagnose children that are going through normal development. It’s disturbing to realize that if this change happens, it will most likely increase inappropriate antipsychotic use and not reduce it.
As Social Workers, we need to be aware of the affect the DSM has on all vulnerable populations. Being aware of these types of fads will help us be skeptical when we diagnose people. Diagnosing mental illness is not something to take lightly because it can follow a person throughout their entire life and negatively affect