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.
Brun
Wesley L
WL
Samaritan Counseling Center of Southeastern Michigan, 29887 West Eleven Mile Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48336, USA.
D002604:Chaplaincy Service, Hospital; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D006801:Humans; D010327:Pastoral Care; D012067:Religion; D029181:Spirituality; D014481:United States