DSM-5: Challenging diagnostic testimony

Leigh D Hagan; Thomas J Guilmette

doi:10.1016/j.ijlp.2015.08.017

DSM-5: Challenging diagnostic testimony

Int J Law Psychiatry. 2015 Sep-Dec:42-43:128-34. doi: 10.1016/j.ijlp.2015.08.017. Epub 2015 Aug 28.

Authors

Leigh D Hagan¹, Thomas J Guilmette²

Affiliations

¹ Independent Practice, Chesterfield VA, USA; Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA. Electronic address: lhagan@leighhagan.com.
² Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Providence College, Providence, RI, USA.

PMID: 26319182
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijlp.2015.08.017

Abstract

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders' (DSM) 60-year evolution has not been particularly linear nor cumulative with respect to the process of its construction, its stated purpose, its framework, and inclusion of specific disorders. We consider DSM-5's stated purpose in light of the manual's explicit cautions and other complications encountered when presenting diagnoses in the course of psychological expert testimony under the applicable rules of evidence. This review considers the extent to which DSM-5 bears up under numerous criticisms when employed for forensic purposes and points out challenges that the expert should anticipate when offering diagnostic opinions underpinned by DSM-5 generally and by neurocognitive disorders in particular.

Keywords: DSM-5; Expert Testimony; Forensic Psychology.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Criminal Psychology / methods*
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders*
Expert Testimony
Humans
Mental Disorders / classification
Mental Disorders / diagnosis
Neurocognitive Disorders / diagnosis*
Psychiatric Status Rating Scales*
Supreme Court Decisions
United States