A Psychiatrist's insights into a

DSM-IV diagnosis

At this year’s bi-annual ALUCA conference in Alice Springs, Dr Synnott, mlcoa psychiatrist consultant, took participants through a bold exploration of DSM-IV and challenged its effectiveness when used in a medico-legal or industrial setting.

Dr Synnott’s presentation on Separating Psychiatric Disorder from the Medicalisation of “Something Else”, encouraged investigative thought on what participants knew about DSM-IV and delved into what is actually involved in making a psychiatric diagnosis.

Participants were confronted with the credibility of a DSM-IV diagnosis by considering what the most appropriate description of the particular behaviour causing the claimed incapacity may be. Is it psychiatric disorder, “sick role” behaviour, personality/coping style, financial or legal considerations, lack of motivation or “something else”?

A case study on incorrect diagnosis influenced by behaviour or emotions that are not due to a psychiatric illness were explored as to were several factors influencing the situation and their significance to any psychiatric disorder that claims incapacity.

mlcoa's On Balance course on Understanding Psychiatric Illness provides relevant information presented by Dr Synnott, in laymen terms, defining psychiatric conditions, including common causes, diagnosis, aggravating factors and treatment strategies. Anyone interested in obtaining further information should contact their state’s mlcoa office for more details.

For more information on mlcoa's On Balance Training & Development courses, click here