Questioning Accuracy of Children's DSM Diagnoses

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Introduction
While reviewing the recommended readings, the title of the article, Are Children’s DSM Diagnoses Accurate?, stood out. Learning about children’s diagnoses is intriguing. Working in the social service field with child survivors of sexual and physical abuse, I oftentimes come across several children and adolescents who have been diagnosed with various disorders. The disorders that I often question most frequently are Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), and Bipolar. It appears to be common to label children with multiple diagnoses and provide them with a list of medications, when in my opinion; I feel it may be more beneficial to work with the child or adolescent on ways to eliminate …show more content…

I do believe it would be beneficial for the DSM to work towards eliminating biases and attempt to be as reliable and valid as possible. In my opinion, the diagnostic criteria should be especially strict for children and adolescents and the criteria that I reviewed for ADHD, ODD, and CD were not as strict as I feel they should be. I also believe situations and environments should be taken into consideration before diagnoses are made. After those considerations are made, I feel the therapist or the person responsible for making the diagnosis should work with the individual or make a referral for services with someone who is willing to work with them to reduce their symptoms …show more content…

However, I am reluctant of utilizing the DSM because I believe there is such an increase in mental disorders in both children and adults and in my opinion, this needs to be evaluated.
I will keep the knowledge I have learned from this article and take it into consideration when in practice. I would love to advocate on behalf of the children and work to stricken the diagnostic criteria for all the children’s diagnoses, in efforts to reduce them from being labeled with mental disorders that they may not exist.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I feel as though this article has enlightened me on the accuracy of children’s diagnoses, especially ADHD, according to the DSM. This information confirmed prior opinions I held on children being over diagnosed with mental disorders. My hopes are to advocate for those who are of the vulnerable population in efforts to reduce over diagnoses of mental

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