DSM-III and Social Work Malpractice
- 1 May 1987
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Oxford University Press (OUP) in Social Work
- Vol. 32 (3) , 205-211
- https://doi.org/10.1093/sw/32.3.205
Abstract
Malpractice issues are often ignored when social workers use the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Third Edition), known as DSM-III. The manual requires an evaluation of organic conditions, and there are risks that physical disorders will be overlooked. Difficulties also occur when practitioners report less severe diagnoses than are indicated because of the adverse effects of labeling or when they increase the severity of diagnoses so clients can qualify for services. The conclusion that DSM-III is not good for social workers is illustrated by an example that highlights practitioners' legal and ethical problems and the dangers to clients.Keywords
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