DSM V input until 4/20 (seriously, I didn't make that date up)
I'm sure everyone is already aware of this, but for those that may have missed it, the upcoming latest version of the Psychiatric Bible that is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, will be available for perusal (and feedback!) at the official homepage for the DSM V.
After April 20th, 2010, feedback will apparently no longer be accepted, but until then, this is the first time any but the most elite of Psychiatrists have had any peek at--let alone influence over--the way Mental Illnesses are perceived, categorized, organized, and labeled. They only re-do the DSM every decade+ or so, and the ramifications can have real and immediate impacts upon shaping how human behavior is perceived both socio-culturally, and legally. One example that immediately comes to mind was when the DSM categorized homosexuality as a Mental Illness and when it was removed from the DSM in the next version (I don't recall which years or versions those were).
You have until 4/20 to submit comments, which is only a few weeks away.
After April 20th, 2010, feedback will apparently no longer be accepted, but until then, this is the first time any but the most elite of Psychiatrists have had any peek at--let alone influence over--the way Mental Illnesses are perceived, categorized, organized, and labeled. They only re-do the DSM every decade+ or so, and the ramifications can have real and immediate impacts upon shaping how human behavior is perceived both socio-culturally, and legally. One example that immediately comes to mind was when the DSM categorized homosexuality as a Mental Illness and when it was removed from the DSM in the next version (I don't recall which years or versions those were).
You have until 4/20 to submit comments, which is only a few weeks away.