DSM-III-R: the conflict over new psychiatric diagnoses

The inclusion of three new diagnoses in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition, Revised (DSM-III-R) has generated much controversy. Many women's groups and mental health organizations objected to paraphilac rapism, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and masochistic personality disorder. Findings from a national survey of social workers' attitudes about DSM indicated that the majority of respondents did not support adoption of the proposed diagnoses, although many were undecided. The conflict has reopened the debate about the manual among mental health professionals. The opinions of social work practitioners potentially can influence whether these and other controversial diagnoses are included in the upcoming DSM-IV.