Saving Normal Allen Frances Analysis

Allen Frances, in Saving Normal(20??), discusses the fads in psychiatric diagnosis in the past, present and future. He provides the reader with specific examples of how fads from the past affected individuals and society. Frances does a good job describing the fads that are currently taking place in our society and what to look out for in the future. There were certain things from each of the chapters that moved me. It was interesting how Frances explained that fads were common during times of instability, uncertainty, and change. I agree when he suggested that the more we know about the fads in the past, the less likely we are to mindlessly repeat them in the future(p??). One thing that I enjoyed reading was how demonic possessions were a
fad from the past. I can relate to this fad because in my culture, it is believed that demonic possessions do occur and they can only be resolved with an exorcism. Fortunately, no one in my family has had that experience or has seen it happen, but my family is still careful not using anything that could invite demons into the home(eg. Ouija, black magic, etc). I like how Frances stated, “Exorcising the demon can work well when the exorcist and the patient both believe it will”( p 119). I do not personally believe in demonic possessions and this statement made sense to me because I know how powerful the mind can be into believing something that is not true.
Frances talks a lot about the current fads that are taking place because of the DSM-5. I really liked his idea on how to handle ADHD in children. I think it is a good idea to diagnose early and begin medication only if the ADHD symptoms are severe, but whenever they are mild or equivocal, it is best to have a period of time to wait and see how it unfolds(p.143-144). I think this is important because there are many children that are just being themselves and do not actually have a psychological problem. It appears as if big pharmaceutical companies want to have everyone in society on some type of pill. Frances explains that companies want to convince shy people that they are missing out or that they are sick even though shyness is normal. I believe society needs to get more education on the types of diagnosis out there and accept that people are going to be different and not every behavior is something to be worried about.
In chapter 6, Frances warns us about future fads in diagnosis.
He mentions how the changes that will be made in future diagnosis will be subject to unexpected misinterpretation and misuse under pressure from drug companies, school services , disability requirements and the legal system(p.173). I was shocked how people want to turn temper tantrums into a mental disorder called Disruptive tantrums dysregulation disorder (DMDD). I agreed with France when he stated, ”We should not have the ambition to label as mental disorder every inconvenient or distressing aspect of childhood” (p 177). Temper tantrums are very normal in children and making it into a diagnosis will only be widely inclusive making people inappropriately diagnose children that are going through normal development. It’s disturbing to realize that if this change happens, it will most likely increase inappropriate antipsychotic use and not reduce it.
As Social Workers, we need to be aware of the affect the DSM has on all vulnerable populations. Being aware of these types of fads will help us be skeptical when we diagnose people. Diagnosing mental illness is not something to take lightly because it can follow a person throughout their entire life and negatively affect
it.