DSM Revision Petition
Target:
American Psychiatric Association
Sponsored by:
The DSM Revision Petition is gathering signatures from individuals and organizations calling on the American Psychiatric Association (APA) to require that all diagnoses in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) be based on empirical research. The DSM Revision Petition will collect signatures from June 2008 through December 2009.
The DSM Revision Petition is gathering signatures from individuals and organizations calling on the American Psychiatric Association (APA) to require that all diagnoses in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) be based on empirical research. The DSM Revision Petition will collect signatures from June 2008 through December 2009.
We, the undersigned, support the American Psychiatric Association's (APA) own goal of making its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) a scientific document, based on empirical research and devoid of cultural bias. A diagnosis of a mental disorder can have a severe adverse impact on employment opportunities, child custody determinations, an individual's well-being, and other areas of functioning. Therefore we urge the APA to remove all diagnoses that are not based upon peer-reviewed, empirical research, demonstrating distress or dysfunction, from the DSM. The APA specifically should not promote current social norms or values as a basis for clinical judgments.
We signed the "DSM Revision Petition" petition!
# 3,161:
8:34 pm PST, Nov 6,
Name not displayed, Maryland
# 3,160:
1:52 pm PST, Nov 6,
Lora Powell, California
Kink is not a mental disorder. It is another way to relate to our friends and parnters, not an illness.
Kink is not a mental disorder. It is another way to relate to our friends and parnters, not an illness.
# 3,159:
9:11 pm PST, Nov 5,
Lauren Mead, Virginia
# 3,158:
7:20 pm PST, Nov 5,
Charles Lacour, Texas
# 3,157:
2:55 pm PST, Nov 5,
Alice Washburn, Massachusetts
# 3,156:
1:42 pm PST, Nov 5,
Thomas Donelan, New Mexico
# 3,155:
9:27 am PST, Nov 5,
Name not displayed, California
# 3,154:
9:03 am PST, Nov 5,
Cyd Nova, California
# 3,153:
9:55 am PST, Nov 4,
Eve Brant, New York
# 3,152:
12:52 am PST, Nov 4,
Pure1 Sadist, Massachusetts
# 3,151:
11:26 pm PST, Nov 3,
Roxanna Garcia, California
# 3,150:
10:56 pm PST, Nov 3,
Name not displayed, California
# 3,149:
10:39 pm PST, Nov 3,
Jeff Lawson, California
# 3,148:
6:30 pm PST, Nov 3,
Name not displayed, Maryland
Just as an athlete pushes his/her limits and enjoys the endorphin rush, so do we into BDSM push our limits and enjoy the endorphins. Until the DSM lists marathons and other track distance event running as abnormal, it is inappropriate to list BDSM as abnormal.
Just as an athlete pushes his/her limits and enjoys the endorphin rush, so do we into BDSM push our limits and enjoy the endorphins. Until the DSM lists marathons and other track distance event running as abnormal, it is inappropriate to list BDSM as abnormal.
# 3,147:
5:42 pm PST, Nov 3,
Name not displayed, California
# 3,146:
5:04 pm PST, Nov 3,
Shirley Bushnell, California
# 3,145:
2:23 pm PST, Nov 3,
Name not displayed, New York
# 3,144:
1:46 pm PST, Nov 3,
Name not displayed, New York
# 3,143:
1:44 pm PST, Nov 3,
Fred Clark, New York
# 3,142:
12:50 pm PST, Nov 3,
Tim L, California
# 3,141:
12:24 pm PST, Nov 3,
Noreen Gadonniex, New York
There is no scientific data which proves that BDSM is a neurosis, or even a paraphilia. Including it in the DSM as a paraphilia is therefore unethical and unfounded.
There is no scientific data which proves that BDSM is a neurosis, or even a paraphilia. Including it in the DSM as a paraphilia is therefore unethical and unfounded.
# 3,140:
10:23 am PST, Nov 3,
Name not displayed, California
# 3,139:
7:26 am PST, Nov 3,
Patricia Heffley, New York
# 3,138:
7:02 am PST, Nov 3,
Name not displayed, New York
# 3,137:
6:50 am PST, Nov 3,
Salome Brant, New York
# 3,136:
6:30 am PST, Nov 3,
Penelope Moran, New York
# 3,135:
6:21 am PST, Nov 3,
Name not displayed, New York
I am an attorney in New York. What I do with my partner is consensual and loving. I don't ask you to understand it , jut accept me for who I am. I don't understand how people can be obsessed with video games, golf or professional sports but would not propose to label those activities as deviant or psychological disorders.
I am an attorney in New York. What I do with my partner is consensual and loving. I don't ask you to understand it , jut accept me for who I am. I don't understand how people can be obsessed with video games, golf or professional sports but would not propose to label those activities as deviant or psychological disorders.
# 3,134:
6:13 am PST, Nov 3,
Kurt Peterson, Maryland
# 3,133:
5:19 am PST, Nov 3,
Name not displayed, New York
While what we do may seem "unhealthy" to those who don't understand it, we enter into it happily, willingly and find it very rewarding. Just because others do not understand why this is true doesn't make it less so. It is not right to judge us and demonize us just because we're different, especially when those differences do not affect any but those directly concerned.
While what we do may seem "unhealthy" to those who don't understand it, we enter into it happily, willingly and find it very rewarding. Just because others do not understand why this is true doesn't make it less so. It is not right to judge us and demonize us just because we're different, especially when those differences do not affect any but those directly concerned.
# 3,132:
5:12 am PST, Nov 3,
Lon Moss, California
# 3,131:
3:56 am PST, Nov 3,
J.S. Bricker, Jr., Maryland
# 3,130:
10:32 pm PST, Nov 2,
J'aivette Cook, RN, New York
I am a professional registered nurse in the state of New York and a me ber of 1199SEIU. While I do not work with the MR/DD population I do see how a diagnosis, any diagnosis changes how my patients perceive themselves. How it changes there self image and relationships with others. If we are to do no harm then we must only use those diagnosis that have a sound scientific basis, that accurately describe a harmful situation and not a cultural bias or historical mindset. A diagnosis is too life changeing a label to not be mindful and careful in its existance and application. This is why I am signing this petition
I am a professional registered nurse in the state of New York and a me ber of 1199SEIU. While I do not work with the MR/DD population I do see how a diagnosis, any diagnosis changes how my patients perceive themselves. How it changes there self image and relationships with others. If we are to do no harm then we must only use those diagnosis that have a sound scientific basis, that accurately describe a harmful situation and not a cultural bias or historical mindset. A diagnosis is too life changeing a label to not be mindful and careful in its existance and application. This is why I am signing this petition
# 3,129:
9:45 pm PST, Nov 2,
Name not displayed, California
# 3,128:
9:37 pm PST, Nov 2,
Bruce Kamiat, New York
As a former psychology major, and as one who has had a great interest in the study of psychology for many years, and as one who has done considerable volunteer work in psychiatric hospitals, and as one with much experience in peer counseling and various forms of group therapy, I have always agreed with the statements in this petition and the values they represent.
As a former psychology major, and as one who has had a great interest in the study of psychology for many years, and as one who has done considerable volunteer work in psychiatric hospitals, and as one with much experience in peer counseling and various forms of group therapy, I have always agreed with the statements in this petition and the values they represent.
# 3,127:
9:32 pm PST, Nov 2,
Paul F. Brenner, New Jersey
Pathological classification presently in DSM IV of various consentual behaviors of high functioning men and women is an abberation. There is no scientific, empirical research to support so many of the present diagnoses. All such entries must be removed.
Pathological classification presently in DSM IV of various consentual behaviors of high functioning men and women is an abberation. There is no scientific, empirical research to support so many of the present diagnoses. All such entries must be removed.
# 3,126:
9:16 pm PST, Nov 2,
Fidel Robinson, New York
My practice of BDSM is a lifestyle choice, and not a mental defect. My freedom of choice, my sexlife, are just that, "Mine," and I would not let anyone tell me how I should enjoy it!
My practice of BDSM is a lifestyle choice, and not a mental defect. My freedom of choice, my sexlife, are just that, "Mine," and I would not let anyone tell me how I should enjoy it!
TES
# 3,125:
8:58 pm PST, Nov 2,
Dennis Dalrymple, California
Dennis Dalrymple It is time to recognize BDSM as a lifestyle choice.
Dennis Dalrymple It is time to recognize BDSM as a lifestyle choice.
# 3,124:
2:06 pm PST, Nov 2,
Name not displayed, New York
Dear APA, Consensual BDSM should not be listed as a mental disorder. If you look at many research articles on sex you will find that there are some BDSM parts in even the most seemingly vanilla couple. Kicky's, scratched backs, bites, etc. There is a big difference between abuse and legitimate BDSM.
Dear APA, Consensual BDSM should not be listed as a mental disorder. If you look at many research articles on sex you will find that there are some BDSM parts in even the most seemingly vanilla couple. Kicky's, scratched backs, bites, etc. There is a big difference between abuse and legitimate BDSM.
# 3,123:
4:28 am PST, Nov 2,
Debra Coleman, Florida
i would love to do anything to make dressing as a baby in public accepticale
i would love to do anything to make dressing as a baby in public accepticale
# 3,122:
4:27 am PST, Nov 2,
Marc Egazarian MD FACS, New Jersey
# 3,121:
2:57 am PST, Nov 2,
Name not displayed, Germany
# 3,120:
11:48 pm PST, Nov 1,
Carl Christian Selinger, Germany
# 3,119:
3:10 pm PST, Nov 1,
Erika Richardson, Virginia
# 3,118:
3:02 pm PST, Nov 1,
Kristine Aguilar-Aasted, New Jersey
As practitioners, we must be very careful that we are not in the business of social control.
As practitioners, we must be very careful that we are not in the business of social control.
# 3,117:
6:03 am PST, Nov 1,
Name not displayed, Pennsylvania
Any diagnosis should always be based on empirical research and scientific understanding. To do anything otherwise is irresponsible, both as scientists and health care practitioners.
Any diagnosis should always be based on empirical research and scientific understanding. To do anything otherwise is irresponsible, both as scientists and health care practitioners.
# 3,116:
1:49 am PDT, Nov 1,
Doris Antony, Germany
# 3,115:
4:06 pm PDT, Oct 31,
Name not displayed, Maryland
A scholarly publication such as the DSM should eliminate any vestiges of prejudicial policies based primarily on religious beliefs.
A scholarly publication such as the DSM should eliminate any vestiges of prejudicial policies based primarily on religious beliefs.
# 3,114:
10:13 am PDT, Oct 31,
Jerald Stambaugh, Arkansas
# 3,113:
9:00 am PDT, Oct 31,
Patricia Reyes, Florida
# 3,112:
3:31 pm PDT, Oct 30,
Brett KLEIN, New Jersey
# 3,111:
3:16 pm PDT, Oct 30,
Name not displayed, California
People who choose to express their sexuality in ways that are considered "taboo" should not have to live with a stigma detrimental to the person's mind, self esteem, job security, etc etc just because people who are not like minded or can't understand say this is a mental disorder. Consenting adults have the right to conduct their lives and relationships however they please without closed minded people interferring and imposing their own beliefs on them!
People who choose to express their sexuality in ways that are considered "taboo" should not have to live with a stigma detrimental to the person's mind, self esteem, job security, etc etc just because people who are not like minded or can't understand say this is a mental disorder. Consenting adults have the right to conduct their lives and relationships however they please without closed minded people interferring and imposing their own beliefs on them!
# 3,110:
10:49 pm PDT, Oct 29,
Cole Legend, Georgia
I've worked as a mental health professional for over 25 years. Consent can sometimes occur between adults for reasons we may not agree with or understand, but our being on the outside of their informed decision doesn't justify pathologizing their relationship. As mental health experts, we must avoid defining behaviors as dysfunctional simply because we may not consider them suitable or desirable for "polite company". Is enlisting in the army an indication of pathology? Why or why not? Professionals are not the only healers of the soul. Sometimes people find creative ways to do this for themselves. Given the choice of challenging the sanity of a loyal and devoted woman who acknowledges getting turned on by her husband's choice to crossdress vs a sexually vanilla couple who have the same inclinations but suppress, deny, and lie about them to one another; I'd suggest we worry more about the latter.
I've worked as a mental health professional for over 25 years. Consent can sometimes occur between adults for reasons we may not agree with or understand, but our being on the outside of their informed decision doesn't justify pathologizing their relationship. As mental health experts, we must avoid defining behaviors as dysfunctional simply because we may not consider them suitable or desirable for "polite company". Is enlisting in the army an indication of pathology? Why or why not? Professionals are not the only healers of the soul. Sometimes people find creative ways to do this for themselves. Given the choice of challenging the sanity of a loyal and devoted woman who acknowledges getting turned on by her husband's choice to crossdress vs a sexually vanilla couple who have the same inclinations but suppress, deny, and lie about them to one another; I'd suggest we worry more about the latter.
# 3,109:
10:30 pm PDT, Oct 29,
Randall Reynolds, Alaska
# 3,108:
7:30 pm PDT, Oct 29,
Melanie Rose, California
As a trained sexologist, I feel it is important to understand the difference between a sexual preference and a pathology. Many sexual behaviors that are beyond the norm of sexual activities are practiced by consenting functional adults, who find pleasure and fulfillment in their choices. It is not appropriate to label them as sick because they deviate from culturally accepted norms. As with homosexuality, often the label of abnormal is the real culprit in people's damaged psyches, rather than the behavior itself.
As a trained sexologist, I feel it is important to understand the difference between a sexual preference and a pathology. Many sexual behaviors that are beyond the norm of sexual activities are practiced by consenting functional adults, who find pleasure and fulfillment in their choices. It is not appropriate to label them as sick because they deviate from culturally accepted norms. As with homosexuality, often the label of abnormal is the real culprit in people's damaged psyches, rather than the behavior itself.
# 3,107:
8:34 am PDT, Oct 29,
Jason Maniscalco, New York
# 3,106:
7:52 am PDT, Oct 29,
Name not displayed, Washington
# 3,105:
8:54 pm PDT, Oct 28,
Name not displayed, California
# 3,104:
8:35 pm PDT, Oct 28,
David King, New Jersey
# 3,103:
4:48 pm PDT, Oct 28,
Name not displayed, Pennsylvania
# 3,102:
1:58 pm PDT, Oct 28,
Name not displayed, Texas
# 3,101:
12:02 pm PDT, Oct 28,
Name not displayed, New York
