The Social Work Podcast 1: DSM Diagnosis for Social Workers
Jan 22, 2007
This podcast explores the history of DSM diagnosis, the labeling and criticisms in diagnosis, the axes of DSM diagnosis for social workers, the revisions in the DSM-4 and cultural issues, and the benefits and problems of diagnosis in social work.
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Diagnosis Versus Assessment
- Diagnosis classifies symptoms, impairment, and distress into categories rather than simply labeling normal feelings like stress.
- Assessment systematically evaluates biological, psychological, social, and spiritual domains to inform diagnosis.
Limits Of Labels
- Classification groups conditions by shared characteristics, but labels can misrepresent unique individuals and invite backlash.
- The podcast warns that labeling is a core critique of psychiatric classification systems.
Four Humors Example
- Singer recounts the ancient 'four humors' theory that linked illness to bodily fluid imbalance and led to bloodletting.
- He uses this historic example to show how cultural beliefs shape diagnostic practices.