Gender Bias In Psychiatric Diagnoses

Paper Summary:

Analysis of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) as it relates to women. Contends that certain personality traits of women (dependent persoanlity, emotionalism) are labled as psychiatric disorders by the white male mental health community. Cites several articles discussing the issue. Historical bias against women. Suggestion for a better diagnostic system.

From the Paper:

"Introduction

Perceptions of gender and gender roles have been constantly readjusting over the last few decades, resulting in a plethora of written material about the societal disadvantages experienced by women, as well as their emotional costs (Halgin, 2001, p. 14). Although researchers and clinicians have attempted to keep the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) up to date, psychiatric diagnosis and help-seeking behavior are multifaceted, and sometimes they involve subtle bias (p. 14). Halgin presents Terry A. Kupers article, The Politics of Psychiatry: Gender and Sexual Preference in DSM-IV in contrast to Gender Issues in DSM-IV by Ruth Ross, Allen Frances, and Thomas A. Widiger, as examples of this ongoing discussion."

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