Is life a disease?
Journal article
Cooke, A. and McGowan, J. 2013. Is life a disease? Discursive of Tunbridge Wells.
Authors | Cooke, A. and McGowan, J. |
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Abstract | A new edition of the ‘dictionary’ of mental illnesses was published last year, the catchily named, DSM 5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association, fifth edition). Compared to its predecessors, it classifies many more types of behaviour as ‘mental disorders’. For example, binge eating is now a disease, and you may also be categorised as mentally ill if you spend too long in front of your computer, if you are shy, or if you feel just feel sad. Each edition of the DSM introduces us to new illnesses. The first edition, published in 1952, was 132 pages long. The 1987 edition was 569 pages and you might consider putting on hernia belt before picking up the new edition as it has 1000. Its publication has provoked fierce arguments. Advocates say how important it is that illnesses are identified and treated. Critics claim that that it will lead to millions of us being unnecessarily labelled as sick and put on drugs. Some even believe that many of the conditions are simply inventions dreamed up for the benefit of pharmaceutical giants. Whatever your position it’s clear that the publication of the DSM is an event that will affect all our lives. Anne and John will introduce the main issues, and ask the question, ‘Is life a disease?’ |
Year | 2013 |
Journal | Discursive of Tunbridge Wells |
Publisher | Canterbury Christ Church University |
Official URL | https://blogs.canterbury.ac.uk/discursive/is-life-a-disease/ |
Related URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQxORhtHiow |
Publication process dates | |
Deposited | 02 Feb 2016 |
Accepted | 2013 |
Output status | Published |
Event | University of Liverpool London Seminars |
File |
https://repository.canterbury.ac.uk/item/87q0y/is-life-a-disease
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