Web Activities 5

9.5 When is a Broken Heart a Mental Disorder?

The American Psychiatric Association has released its fifth version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. In it, the identification of Major Depressive Disorder removes the bereavement exclusion. In effect, anyone can receive a diagnosis two weeks after the death of a child, parent, spouse, friend or anyone. International bereavement scholars prepared a statement detailing the problems which can arise from the change. Read the short piece and respond to the following:


1			Explain the three reasons that this diagnostic development is of concern.




2			What are the countries that the members of this workgroup come from? Does it surprise you that it is an international concern?




3			Explain how pharmaceuticals and companies that produce them are linked to this issue.




4			Why should you be wary of physicians or other medical professionals prescribing medications in the early stages of grief?




5			What do the international experts prescribe for dealing with your grief?

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