Attitudes of psychiatrists toward diagnostic options and issues

Abstract

Debate regarding the control of mental health services has marked the mental health scene for several decades. The debate continued and broadened, however, with the publication of DSM-III. The ubiquitous use of that diagnostic system for third-party reimbursement led some mental health professionals to call attention to the likely possibility that whoever controls diagnosis will also control mental health (O'Keefe 1980). This study sought to gather attitudinal information on psychiatrists' views regarding DSM-III, alternative nosological models, selected adjunct issues related to the medical model and mental illness concepts, and other professional concerns.