Discussion 2-1: Assessment & Diagnosis

I feel that one of the biggest ethical issues related to the DSM-5 would in general be just the
using of a standard manual or textbook in determining the diagnosis and treatment regimen for
individuals suffering from any mental illness. I always have felt strongly about treating those on
a case by case scenario because it seems at times there will possibly be someone out there that
will not fit into any specific category at all. Additionally, I feel one of the major ethical concerns
would also be using the DSM diagnostics codes for the purposes of billing insurance companies.
As mentioned previously, everyone should be treated on a case by case basis, because after all it
is the individual themselves we are treating and not the disease (Whitbourne 28).

I found the Ruby Wax video to be not only educational, but also very entertaining. She not only
overcame her fear of her mental illness, but is also able to openly share and joke about it in front
of an audience. She finally overcame the ridicule from her family and close friends and the
scrutiny and judgmental views of society and is dedicating her time to educating others about the
stigmatization of mental illness, while encouraging them to “Stop the Stigma”. I love the fact
that she was able to get to a point in her life, after having her mental breakdown and receiving
the proper medications and therapy of course, that she can stand up in front of a large group of
strangers and tell her story, despite any public mockery or derision she may be faced with
afterwards. Her story probably begins like that of so many others who suffer from depression,
and despite the efforts of friends or family to simply tell us to “perk up”, or “snap out of it”, they
are unable to do so. In turn, this can leave the person with even more feelings of guilt, shame and
unworthiness, and possibly falling even deeper in their depressive thoughts. I feel this stems
from living in a culture where we are taught vulnerability and hyper sensitization are signs of a
weakness. This stigma manifests as “social distancing” resulting in not only the individual
themselves isolating themselves, but society isolating them as well.

I think that behavioral assessment is by far one of my favorite assessment/diagnostic tools

because unlike a series psychological tests or responses on a rating scale, this assessment
involves observing the individual in their natural setting to determine the appropriate diagnosis
for him/her (Whitbourne 61). I feel the psychologist can getting a better understanding of what
the patient’s diagnosis is, as well as a more accurate plan for treatment. However, this type of
assessment is not always feasible for the patient, so results may not be as accurate if the clinician
observes the patient in a hospital or office type setting. Furthermore, results may also be skewed
if the patient themselves are the ones observing and recoding the results of their own behavior, as
those types done is self-behavioral type assessments (Whitbourne 61)

Whitbourne, Halgin: Abnormal Psychology: Clinical Perspectives on Psychological Disorders,

2014, 7th Edition. McGraw-Hill Learning Solutions.