Question: The DSM-5 states that the "DSM-5 is designed to better fill the needs of clinicians, patients, families, and researchers for a clear and concise description of each mental disorder organized by explicit diagnostic criteria, supplemented, when appropriate, by dimensional measures that cross diagnostic boundaries, and a brief digest of information about the diagnosis, risk factors, associated features, research advances, and various expressions of the disorder" (p. 5). You will be using these diagnostic descriptions and categories throughout this course in order to make diagnoses, and you will continue to refer to them as a mental health professional. In this Assignment, you will look at a general overview of the DSM.
To prepare:
• Review this week's readings in the DSM-5.
• Keep in mind the stated purpose of the DSM.
• Consider the organization of the classifications and any possible biases with respect to the position of certain disorders.
• Note whether or not the classifications are easy to follow and the appendices easy to navigate.
• Consider potential strengths and limitations of the DSM-5.
With these thoughts in mind:
Post by Day 4 an explanation of what you perceive to be two strengths and two limitations of the DSM-5 and why you consider each as such. Also, explain how and when you might use the DSM-5 in your practice and the ways you can circumvent its limitations.
Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.