A proposed diagnostic schema for religious/spiritual concerns.
This article proposes the expansion of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) category on "Religious or Spiritual Problem" (V62.89), and the inclusion of an Axis 6 for the diagnosis of these issues. After defining and contrasting "religious" and "spiritual" as terms, and dealing with the potential difficulties of such a categorization for interfaith groups, the author proposes categories by which religious and/or spiritual issues presented by a client might be more pointedly and specifically assessed and understood. He also proposes criteria for each category, in keeping with the style of the DSM-IV-TR by which such assessments might be made. The author challenges his colleagues to both the beginning of a conversation regarding such a schema and research regarding the categories and/or criteria proposed. Several responses to the proposal are offered by colleagues in the pastoral arts and sciences.
Samaritan Counseling Center of Southeastern Michigan, 29887 West Eleven Mile Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48336, USA.
Wesley L
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Brun
D002604:Chaplaincy Service, Hospital; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D006801:Humans; D010327:Pastoral Care; D012067:Religion; D029181:Spirituality; D014481:United States