Psychiatry - Construction of the DSM (James Davies)

[brinethery]

I just wanted to share this lecture by James Davies, an investigative journalist. In his talk, he goes through the construction of the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). I won't spoil anything, but its creation was not based on scientific studies or brain scans. It is well worth the listen. The current DSM-5 has been locked down. No one can see the names of the members on the committee that updated it.

Psychiatry & Big Pharma: Exposed - Dr James Davies, PhD - YouTube

I have been affected by psychiatric drugs that are non-controlled substances. I didn't want to get too personal but if anyone who replies is in a similar situation, I can share a bit about my experience and background.

I am currently chipping away at my novice LP.

I hope this talk can help someone.

Edit: There are some formatting issues, but hopefully you can understand what I'm saying in this post. If this needs to be moved to another part of the forum, please let me know.

[Mark Rippetoe]

Thanks Brigitta. Is there a more condensed version of this material.

[brinethery]

Thanks Brigitta. Is there a more condensed version of this material.

Hi Rip,

When I have time on the weekend, I will make cliff notes. Sorry about getting his credentials wrong. He has a doctorate in medical and social anthropology. He has trained and practiced as a clinical psychotherapist.

The DSM disorders were all voted on by committees. None of the disorders were based on brain scans or scientific research.

I believe it was the DSM-IV that was the best seller on Amazon at one point, at $88. What happened was the pharmaceutical companies bought up many copies and distributed them to clinicians throughout the US.

[Subby]

Wasn't the DSM famously originally create by members yelling at each other untill one side backed down and agreed with the definitions?

[3rdcoast_slope]

Hi Rip,

When I have time on the weekend, I will make cliff notes. Sorry about getting his credentials wrong. He has a doctorate in medical and social anthropology. He has trained and practiced as a clinical psychotherapist.

The DSM disorders were all voted on by committees. None of the disorders were based on brain scans or scientific research.

I believe it was the DSM-IV that was the best seller on Amazon at one point, at $88. What happened was the pharmaceutical companies bought up many copies and distributed them to clinicians throughout the US.

Absolutely. I can’t go into complete detail on how shitty it is from my perspective, it’s lazy and reminiscent of hive-mind medicine. It maybe perhaps the most dangerous tool that can be used against one in life (court). I enjoy psychology… a lot. Most people I HIGHLY respect (Sam Vaknin) have moved away and even condemn the DSM. I know for Cluster B personalities, The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) is a little better, not as lazy as the DSM…but I would remain cautious. Nonetheless, if you are going out of your way to figure this out, best wishes and fight the good fight.