A significant criticism of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) stems from the steady growth in the number of diagnosable conditions listed over its history. This trend has prompted concern and criticism from some professionals in the field.

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The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) has evolved significantly since its first edition was published in 1952. The manual has undergone numerous revisions over the decades, a process which has seen the number of diagnosable conditions grow steadily over time.

History of the DSM

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

Criticism of the DSM's Expanding Number of Disorders

The number of diagnosable conditions included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) has increased significantly with each revision since its initial publication in 1952. What does this historical trend most strongly suggest about the field of mental health?

A clinician in 1960 evaluates a 9-year-old child who has significant difficulty paying attention in school, is constantly fidgeting, and often acts impulsively. The clinician concludes the child is 'overly energetic' and recommends stricter discipline. Analyze how a clinician's approach to this same case would likely differ today, specifically in the context of the historical changes to the manual used for classifying mental disorders.

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