DSM-IV
Scottie Bowman (rbowman@indigo.ie)
Thu, 01 Apr 1999 21:02:21 +0100
I can really only add my own dismissive feelings about
the DSM to those already expressed by both John & Sean.
(I wouldn't even allow the latter's small, reasonable plea
in mitigation. I think it's a wholly artificial strait jacket
imposed by pseudo-scientists on a phenomenon -
the human personality - that is far too multilayered,
paradoxical & shifting to be accessible to that kind of thinking.)
A word of advice to John when he comes to augment
his medical earnings. I'm employed rather frequently by
various insurance companies who, in the beginning, tried
to get me to use the DSM-IV in my reports -
'for the sake of uniformity'. I found that one firm,
cogently explained refusal to do so - coupled with
a hefty increase in the fee demanded - quickly brought
them to heel. Instead of a set of empty, formulaic diagnoses,
they now enjoy a lengthy, witty & highly subjective
disquisition on their client. They greatly prefer this
& have begged me on no account to even consider
withdrawing my services.
Scottie B.