Psychiatric Diagnosis Uncertainty: Is the DSM the Best Tool Available?

Are we using the wrong criteria to diagnose mental illness? The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is the gold standard used by healthcare professionals as the authoritative guide to diagnose mental health conditions. But is it the best tool for clinicians to use? Were you even aware there are other options? Today’s guest, Dr. Margaret Chisolm, a professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, tells us all about the “Perspectives Approach,” a method of evaluating a patient using multiple perspectives of their lives and experiences. This method has existed for over 40 years and is taught and researched at the world-renowned Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Chisholm will explain how this method is superior, and some limitations and flaws of the DSM. To read the transcript -- or learn more -- please visits the official episode page here. Guest BioDr. Margaret S. Chisolm, MD, FAMEE, FACP, FAAP, is vice chair for education, psychiatry, and behavioral sciences; professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences; and professor of medicine, at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She directs the Paul McHugh Program for Human Flourishing, which fosters a humanistic clinical approach to patient care. Find out more at MargaretChisolmMD.com. Inside Mental Health Podcast HostGabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author. Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com.