When considering the DSM and personality disorders, it is easy to see the necessity of them being included. They are needed, because there are a lot of symptoms that occur in the aspect of personality disorders that also occur in mental disorders. This makes it important to consider that as the reasoning for why they should be included in the DSM.
One good example of a personality disorder that has many similar traits to mental disorders is bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder has severe mood swings, impulsive behavior, carelessness, and many other similar symptoms. These symptoms are also commonly found in many mental disorders. In many cases, it is believed that not only is bipolar a form of a personality disorder, it is also considered to be a form of a brain disorder. Like many mental disorders, it has been proven that there is some genetic link with bipolar disorder.
Another reason that the personality disorders deserve to be put into the DSM is because they are able to be treated in the same manner that most mental disorders are. They are usually treated with some level of counseling and some sort of medication. In many cases, it is similar or the same medications as some forms of mental disorders.
When it comes to the DSM, it is suppose to cover mental health issues. Mental health includes personality disorders. This shows that there is a necessity for the personality disorders to be included in the DSM. It would make diagnostics and treatment much easier, because there would be less confusion on what is causing the individual to act a particular way.
Through choosing to include the personality disorders into the DSM, there is a greater chance in being able to properly diagnose and treat mental health issues, because there are a wider variety of possibilities that the person will show exactly the right signs for a mental health problem to be diagnosed as a specific disorder. By offering a wider variety of resources to use for diagnosis, it is offering a better chance of success with treatment.
Works Cited
What is Bipolar Disorder. (n.d.). Retrieved January 9, 2014, from National Institute of Mental Health: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder/index.shtml
