title: The DSM: mindful science or mindless power? A critical review.
abstract: In this paper we review the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental health (DSM), its scientific bases and utility. The concepts of "normality," "pathology," and boundaries between them are critically reviewed. We further use the concepts of mindfulness and mindlessness, and evidence from cognitive and social sciences to investigate the DSM clinical and social impact and we argue against its assigned overpower. We recommend including alternative perspectives to the DSM, such as mindfulness and positive psychology. We also argue for including mindfulness training in psychiatric residency and clinical psychology programs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge MA, USA.
authors.forename: Bassam
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Khoury
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge MA, USA.
authors.forename: Ellen J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Langer
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge MA, USA ; Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan Milan, Italy ; Niguarda Ca' Granda Hospital Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Pagnini
keywords: DSM; mindful; mindfulness; mindless; normality; pathology; utility