Understanding the various advantages of a DSM IV diagnosis

Understanding the various advantages of a DSM IV diagnosis

Mental health professionals, such as psychologists and counsellors, use standard manuals in order to provide diagnosis to patients having mental health disorders.  The name of this manual is Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders (DSM) and the recent version is called the DSM-IV-TR, which was published in 2000.  The fifth edition was published in 2012.  Using the manual as a guide for diagnosis has many associated benefits.

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Consistency

For creating the DSMs, there is a lot of collaboration that is required from various professionals such as psychologists, psychiatrists, physicians and other professionals.  The diagnosis criteria encompass the various recent researches that are widely accepted.  By making use of this manual for diagnosis, the healthcare professional is able to establish consistency in a treatment procedure.

However, it is possible for two professionals to have entirely different diagnostic approaches; however, with the DSM-IV there is a reduced risk of a diagnosis that is entirely opposing.  Patients are also relieved to know that the diagnosis as per DSM-IV is accurate and not subjective.  The treatment for the various DSM-IV disorders can be different; however, the various types of therapies, medication and treatment alternatives do not vary and are as per the manual.

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Billing

Many healthcare insurance plans provide coverage for treatment of mental health disorders.  However, in the absence of a DSM-IV diagnosis, the insurance company would not reimburse medication and counselling expenses, as it is regarded as an elective service.

Legal Benefits

The legal system provides protection to certain individuals who have committed a crime due to an unsound mental health.  After going through a diagnostic process based on the DSM-IV, the legal system ascertains that it was done accurately.  These guidelines are important as otherwise criminals could easily fake mental disease to escape harsh punishment.

There are other legal benefits given to adults who require special attention owing to a mental problem.  Hence, such individuals with a comparatively reduced mental capability due to a disorder would not be able to receive the assistance and care without a proper diagnosis that is provided under the DSM-IV.

Summary:

There are numerous advantages of a DSM IV diagnosis. All you need to do is keep different aspects in mind while undergoing DSM-IV diagnosis to make the most of it.

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