Author/Editor: Emma Bragdon, PhD
Published by Lightening Up Press (2013)
The Newest DSM*: Deliberately Seeking Mental Health
WE ARE PLEASED TO PRESENT AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE CONVENTIONAL DSM…AND SOME SMILES
A colorful, informative and humorous view into the real causes of mental disturbance –not just the symptoms they produce. It recommends some effective ways to treat causes, too.
This is a satire on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders–(the dictionary of categories of mental illnesses used by psychiatrists, psychologists, hospitals, MDs, insurance companies and courts of law). The 5 editions of DSM books previously published by the American Psychiatric Association say very little about causes & treatments–and focus more on labeling based on symptoms with no recognition of non-ordinary states of consciousness or the positive potential of mindfulness and other meditations. The 5 editions of the DSM by APA pave the way for medicalizing mental health care in an outdated paradigm in which the only thing that’s real is what can be experienced by the 5 senses.
Our satirical look at the DSM is perfect waiting room fare for the office of a health professional, and a heart-warming, fun, informative self-help manual! Healthcare providers will certainly get laughs a plenty!
25 pages/ full color graphics, comes immediately to you as a pdf document
PRICE: $4.95
https://gumroad.com/l/pPIm
Author: Emma Bragdon, PhD has logged over 45 years as a mental health professional, has written 6 other books, co-produced two documentary films and a child, and still maintains a grande sense of humor. She’s also the Founder and Executive Director of IMHU!
A compelling article by Paula Caplan, PhD, is included, with her permission. She speaks with authority about the politics of the OTHER DSM–and offers perspective on the need for alternatives. She wrote about the booklet: “I love it!!!!”—Paula Caplan, PhD., Harvard University’s DuBois Institute
This booklet is being used to raise funds for IMHU.
What Others Are Saying About the NEWEST DSM
“A great gift for a friend or colleague who has a holistic or integrative orientation…also can empower someone who is looking to optimize mental health.”
“I downloaded and printed a copy at my local print shop and had them bind it in plastic. It now sits in my waiting room to entertain, inform, and inspire my clients and colleagues.”—a psychotherapist
“Wow…I Love THIS book! So much more to the point than the conventional DSM-V.”—a psychologist
“Excellent!”—Steve W., a businessman involved with alternative medicine
Perspective
“Since the 1980s, Caplan was concerned that psychiatric diagnoses are unscientific, that giving someone a psychiatric label does not reduce their suffering, and that labeling them carries enormous risks of harm. Caplan outwardly addressed her concerns to the public. In her book, They Say You’re Crazy: How the Worlds most Powerful Psychiatrists Decide Who’s Normal, Caplan discusses the nature of diagnosis and how the DSM contributes to the unique faults of psychiatry. She sought to educate the public about the unregulated nature of psychiatric diagnoses and the consequent lack of recourse for people who have been harmed by getting such labels, including how getting a psychiatric diagnosis and label often may stand in the way of recovery.” [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paula_Caplan]
Disclaimer: If you are thinking of hurting yourself or someone else, or are involved with risky behaviors, please consult a healthcare provider immediately. The recommendations in this booklet are educational. Those who have less serious issues–like mild to moderate depression– may be effectively treated without a healthcare provider. IMHU.org offers 40+ courses that may be helpful. The recommendations in this pdf can also be useful for those wanting to reinforce their psychological foundations and optimize health.