A Psychologist's Reveal: DSM, (Part 4)

Dear Readers, One way of demystifying psychology is to introduce you to the tools of our trade. Professions typically have manuals, rulebooks, regulations. In psychology, the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) is almost universally recognized as the standard reference for diagnosing mental disorders. Also used in other countries is the ICD (International Classification of Diseases) which prioritizes clinical judgment (rather than strict criteria) for broader health disorders. If you've ever seen billing from your insurance company, these shorthand codes are used between provider and payor as to what services were rendered.

Since the beginning of mankind, words equate magic. Power. Connection. They can be vague, leaving one confused, unsettled. Or, they can be precise with general consensus of their meaning, allowing little room for misunderstanding. That's where the DSM shines. It allows everyone to be on the same page as to the exact definition of the mental condition being discussed. A Narcissist is not just a self-centered asshole, but much more. It is a Personality Disorder that includes a penetrating grandiosity without empathy that begins by early adulthood. Nine specific criteria are listed, of which at least five must be prevalent in order for the clinical diagnosis to be met. Not four, not almost, not once in a while.

Why split hairs? Depression means sad. We all know that and use the word liberally although it clinically is defined more narrowly. Two reasons to split that hair: 1) It's more accurate, and 2) because debates are won or lost on content, -facts, rather than gut-feelings or opinions, will win the day. -SQ