It wasn't that long ago that homosexuality was listed in the DSM as a mental health disorder. Partially because of the social construct at the time.
How can we be sure that other mental health disorders listed in the current DSM aren't based on social constructs?
For example, hypersexuality in women. A therapist might diagnose this in a woman because they believe in a social construct of women's sexuality and can't see alternative sexuality as anything but a mental health disorder.
I realize that "normal" behavior is a social construct, but I hope we are moving toward a society that is more willing to expand beyond normal behavior.
I'm guessing if the behavior causes harm will be a criteria, but again, that can be a social construct if a therapist believes the behavior is wrong.
lifeasapeach24 karma
It wasn't that long ago that homosexuality was listed in the DSM as a mental health disorder. Partially because of the social construct at the time. How can we be sure that other mental health disorders listed in the current DSM aren't based on social constructs? For example, hypersexuality in women. A therapist might diagnose this in a woman because they believe in a social construct of women's sexuality and can't see alternative sexuality as anything but a mental health disorder. I realize that "normal" behavior is a social construct, but I hope we are moving toward a society that is more willing to expand beyond normal behavior. I'm guessing if the behavior causes harm will be a criteria, but again, that can be a social construct if a therapist believes the behavior is wrong.
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