The Politics of Psychiatric Assessments

Abstract

Definitions of psychopathologies and the diagnostic criteria thereof are formulated primarily by the use of "consensus reality" as a baseline and universal reference point. Consensus reality is dangerously unreliable and unsuited for inclusion in the formulation of any scientific model; in fact, massive collective delusions have been common throughout recorded human history. Furthermore, consensus reality can be manipulated into illusory or delusional configurations in the collective consciousness of large groups, to the benefit of the manipulator(s). As consensus reality becomes part of the large-group behavioral field, large-group behavioral manipulation and control is facilitated in this manner. However objectively measurable many of the self-harming and/or antisocial behaviors documented and defined in the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) may be, and however obvious the suffering of individuals said to be afflicted with "mental illness" is to even the untrained observer, the DSM-IV contains only a pretense of objectivity. With the exception of concrete and observable behavioral manifestations of psychopathology and clearly defined physiological origins of apparent mental disorders, each individual criterion used in the DSM-IV may be, and usually is, interpreted according to the values, beliefs, and prejudices of the diagnostician.

Discussion