Tuesday, August 18, 2009

More Diagnostic Troubles

Last time I mentioned how getting labeled, getting a diagnosis, is often part of the problem. It gets people into the mode of thinking there is something wrong with them. Often when people know their diagnosis they begin to feel that have something that needs special treatment and they can't fix it themselves.

Well the American Psychiatric Association is in the process of writing the new edition of their Diagnostic Manuel. The is one of the few branches of medicine that gets to make-up and then vote on whether something is a disease that needs them to treat it.

Some of the new categories being considered are "shopping addictions. internet addictions, excessive sex balanced on the other end by apathy, and also prolonged bitterness.

This sounds like a bunch of 60 year-old, pissed-ff psychiatrists who want to label 75% of their own 18 to 29 year-old children as having some kind of brain disorder. Who spends most of their time on Facebook, shopping, having sex, not looking for work and being angry at their parents. Almost everyone!

I guess that would be great for business. But I don't know if Obama's health plan will cover it.

2 comments:

Amanda said...

Heh. Universal Pathology. Pharma would love that, wouldn't it.

They certainly aren't waiting for the Manual. Why mess around with difficult adults when they can grab them early?

In order for a child to get any kind of services she needs a diagnosis. In order for that to happen the doc has to prescribe a pill.

Anonymous said...

Just noticing that you disappeared again...your blogging is great. I really miss your posting.

Hope that things are well and that you return soon.