Assignment task:
Read about the controversy surrounding the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) in Box 10.2 (p. 303-304).
1. Consider your own position. Consider also the function of mental health diagnosis for the effective practice of social work. To what degree are these labels helpful? Harmful? Necessary? In what ways could you be biased in your opinion on this issue? Explain.
2. Like it or not, these diagnoses are probably around to stay, so what should a social worker do with them?
3. Are the diagnoses, in their current forms, in keeping with the values and practices of the social work profession (e.g., the ecological perspective, the strengths perspective, self-determination, etc.)?
4. To what degree should social workers communicate with their clients about the controversy surrounding the DSW?
5. Lastly, if the DSM is not very well suited to the social work profession, what could be a viable alternative?