DSM | diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders

is, in fact, not a list of mental diseases, but instead it is a list of the profession's claims to categories of conduct.

Ostensibly, the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual is a list of mental diseases; actually, it is a list of the profession's claims to categories of conduct. As prospectors stake out claims for mines which, they suspect, harbor precious minerals, so psychiatrists stake out claims for madmen who, they suspect, harbor precious maladies. However, although minerals cannot own mines, madmen- being persons- can own madness. Thus, the only remedy for psychiatric imperialism is to restore madness to its rightful owner, the madman; and to give the psychiatrist access to it only on terms agreeable to the proprietor.

DSM diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, n.All

DSM diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders