Deviating from DSM Terminology - Cross-Examining Psych Doctors, Tip #95

     The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) provides a variety of mental disorders with a wide variation of modifiers or specifiers that may be applied to the specific disorder diagnosed.  In addition to modifiers and specifiers, diagnostic codes are also required in association with the diagnosis.  According to page 1 of the DSM-IV-TR and page 23 of the DSM-5, diagnostic codes are essential for increased specificity in identifying the intended diagnosis.  Unfortunately, some psych doctors choose to deviate from DSM terminology and create their own diagnosis by adding modifiers or specifiers that are not outlined or permitted by the DSM.  Further, for some unknown reason, some psych doctors decline to provide a diagnostic code or, even worse, provide diagnostic codes that do not match their verbal diagnosis which results in a situation where their diagnosis is ambiguous.  In situations where the doctor has created diagnostic uncertainty, during their deposition you should ask the doctor where in their report they provided the information about their diagnosis as required by the DSM.