Journal Published Online: 01 October 1984
Volume 29, Issue 4

: A Perspective from Family Court

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

The third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-III) is evaluated from the standpoint of forensic science experience in a family court setting. The importance of diagnosis in developing pertinent recommendations within an adversarial system is discussed, with particular emphasis on difficulties in coordinating the Manual with the mental disorders frequently found in such a population. The limitations of the current criteria of the developmental disabilities are noted, and problems of reconciling incest and child abuse with the nomenclature are investigated. Some inconsistencies in the conceptualization of the conduct disorders and antisocial personality disorder are explored in terms of the needs of the juvenile justice system. An additional coding procedure is proposed for DSM-III, in order to identify more easily prodromal or emerging disorders of clinical significance.

Author Information

Garmise, R
Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies, Adelphi University, Garden City, NY
Guggenheim, PD
New York University School of Medicine, City of New York
Schuster, R
Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies, Adelphi University, Garden City, NY
Pages: 13
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS11780J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS11780J