1
Critically assess whether the use of formal classification systems, such as
the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), is
beneficial to mental health
University of Roehampton
Words: 2170
, 2
Mental disorders are classified by grouping them according to their shared features in
view of creating an information resource with standard criteria to enable communication
between professionals and researchers without confusion, creating more reliable diagnoses
and suitable treatments and allowing easier collection of mental health data among others
(Cooper & Sartorius, 2013). One of the most recognisable standard classifications of mental
disorders is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which is a
guidebook (DSM-5 being the latest edition) that provides the necessary criteria and
descriptions of mental disorders that is needed to diagnose and classify mental disorders; that
manual is mostly used by trained mental health professionals and researchers (American
Psychiatric Association, 2013). Although the classification of mental disorders was initiated
with good intentions, i.e., for the benefit of mental health, arguments and criticisms have
caused doubt about the relevance and appropriateness of its employment. Hence, this essay
will critically evaluate first, the advantages of the DSM, which are but not limited to
providing diagnostic labels and determining eligibility for legal exemptions, and second, the
two significant criticisms against the DSM that are related to the financial conflict of interest
and thorough use of the categorical approach to assess whether the classification of mental
health through systems such as the DSM is truly beneficial for mental health or not.
One of the beneficial aspects of using the DSM is the provided diagnostic labels that
increase the help-seeking attitude among people with difficulties and their relatives and also
help in the development of better self-esteem and self-worth if diagnosed early (MacMaster,
2002; Ohan et al., 2011). Although diagnostic labels have been criticized for creating stigma,
they have beneficial aspects (Huibers & Wessely, 2006). Having a formal label for a disorder
can attract attention in a positive way and help to recognise the need to seek help for a
particular difficulty that otherwise could have gone unnoticed or have been mistaken for
various unrelated reasons by individuals who do not have the same knowledge as a
Critically assess whether the use of formal classification systems, such as
the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), is
beneficial to mental health
University of Roehampton
Words: 2170
, 2
Mental disorders are classified by grouping them according to their shared features in
view of creating an information resource with standard criteria to enable communication
between professionals and researchers without confusion, creating more reliable diagnoses
and suitable treatments and allowing easier collection of mental health data among others
(Cooper & Sartorius, 2013). One of the most recognisable standard classifications of mental
disorders is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which is a
guidebook (DSM-5 being the latest edition) that provides the necessary criteria and
descriptions of mental disorders that is needed to diagnose and classify mental disorders; that
manual is mostly used by trained mental health professionals and researchers (American
Psychiatric Association, 2013). Although the classification of mental disorders was initiated
with good intentions, i.e., for the benefit of mental health, arguments and criticisms have
caused doubt about the relevance and appropriateness of its employment. Hence, this essay
will critically evaluate first, the advantages of the DSM, which are but not limited to
providing diagnostic labels and determining eligibility for legal exemptions, and second, the
two significant criticisms against the DSM that are related to the financial conflict of interest
and thorough use of the categorical approach to assess whether the classification of mental
health through systems such as the DSM is truly beneficial for mental health or not.
One of the beneficial aspects of using the DSM is the provided diagnostic labels that
increase the help-seeking attitude among people with difficulties and their relatives and also
help in the development of better self-esteem and self-worth if diagnosed early (MacMaster,
2002; Ohan et al., 2011). Although diagnostic labels have been criticized for creating stigma,
they have beneficial aspects (Huibers & Wessely, 2006). Having a formal label for a disorder
can attract attention in a positive way and help to recognise the need to seek help for a
particular difficulty that otherwise could have gone unnoticed or have been mistaken for
various unrelated reasons by individuals who do not have the same knowledge as a
