Ethics Of Dsm-5

In my opinion, the most pressing ethical concern in using the DSM-5 as a diagnostic tool is relying too heavily on the results given and not really listening to the patient. This could lead the therapist to a diagnosis that is not based on what the patient is actually suffering from by not looking at the whole picture. Before a clinician can help someone, they must know what they are suffering from. They must also be careful not to place a label on someone that can lead to them being stigmatized and jeopardizing their recovery (Whitbourne & Halgin, 2013). Using the manual could result in being diagnosed incorrectly. That could lead to not being treated properly leaving a patient feeling more helpless. There is a lot of controversy in depending on the manual, and hope that the next one will concentrate on the cause instead of just the symptoms (Whitbourne & Halgin, 2013).
According to Ms. Wax, she felt angry at herself that she was having mental illness, doubt that she had a real illness, and was being looked at by others in a negative way (Wax, 2012). This caused her to feel worse about herself and may have prolonged her recovery. Labeling someone as mentally ill will result in harmful stereotyping, and an escalation of judgement by her peers (Angermeyer, 2003). The conditions of self-doubt, blame and negativity could affect others with mental illness by making them feel helpless and that they can never live a full and happy