Voicelessness and Emotional Survival > Voicelessness and Emotional Survival Message Board
Criticism of the new DSM
SilverLining:
--- Quote from: PhoenixRising on February 11, 2012, 11:22:22 AM --- Rather than investing the time and effort - and provide the necessary support & encouragement to make lifestyle changes - "there's a pill for that". The same situation exists: some people really do need the medication... but we risk falling into accepting the idea that medication is worth the side-effects (known and unknown) ALL THE TIME in order to artificially maintain an arbitrary standard (a one size fits all value). And if one does suffer a side-effect, then another pill is prescribed, and another, and...
--- End quote ---
One of my recent FOO stories is a good illustration. My 11 year old nephew has been having trouble in school. Nothing real serious, just inattention and not performing up to potential in some subjects. The instant expert conclusion is "ADD" and "executive function issues" with suggested chemical treatment. Knowing a lot more about his environment than the school officials, I have to wonder about the effects of so much exposure to my nutty sister and parents, but this will not get explored if the ADD diagnosis is accepted. He could go his entire life thinking a problem is biological without ever exploring the effects of environment (essentially following in the footsteps of my siblings). I think he may also be developing AS traits similar to my father, and this will not be properly addressed if the ADD diagnosis is considered final.
Fortunately his father is skeptical, and isn't immediately going for the chemical cure. They are starting with some basic lifestyle changes, such as limiting video games. Maybe some behavioral changes while his brain is developing and pliable can have a more positive long term effect than chemical treatment.
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