Friday 10 February 2012

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)

Are you familiar with the DSM? Basically, it's the Psychiatrist's 'bible', a list of mental health conditions for which treatment can be prescribed. The fifth edition is currently being compiled by a panel of Psychiatrists in the United States and it's controversial - because of the questions it raises about what a mental disorder is and at what 'symptom' level individuals are eligible for medication. Radio 4's Today Programme this morning hosted an interview between one of the Psychiatrists on the panel and a UK spokesman (David Kupter), who was giving voice to the ground swell of disquiet about proposed new inclusions in the fifth edition. Watch this space for more about  'Disruptive Mood Regulation Disorder' (or temper tantrums) and 'Mild Neurocognitive Disorder' (read age-related forgetfulness).

Introducing Sheron Green, Integrative Psychotherapist

Welcome to the New Year (a little belated, but better late than never!). With it has come all manner of new beginnings, not least the arrival of Sheron Green, who brings her 11 year-experience in the treatment of trauma and addiction to enrich the 96 Harley Psychotherapy community. Sheron is particularly interested in the use of Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) for the treatment of trauma-related symptoms, but also integrates Schema Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Systemic Family Therapy and the psychodynamic, gestalt and transpersonal approaches. She has most recently worked in Nairobi, Kenya, where she set up her own private practice and lectured on the MA Counselling Psychology Programme at the United States International University. You can read more about Sheron's practice and experience in the 'For patients' section under 'Psychotherapy' - follow the link to 'Our therapists'. Discover more about Schema (life pattern) and Mindfulness- Based Cognitive Therapy, also in the Psychotherapy section - follow the link to 'Types of therapy'.


Written by Jacqui Hogan