Pathological: The True Story of Six Misdiagnoses by Sarah Fay
Review by Jamie Quinn, Manager, Bibliographic Services and Collections
Sarah Fay’s contention in “Pathological” is to criticize and expose the validity of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (the DSM), considered ‘the Bible’ for medical professionals to diagnose mental illnesses.
There are many prickly aspects of the DSM: it is rooted in racism, sexism and homophobia as well as capitalism.
Fay speculates that mental illnesses are diagnosed based on theory rather than fact. For example, there is no definitive test to prove you have depression. Diagnosis can become a dangerous game played between you, your doctor, DSM guidelines and the pharmaceutical industry. Your health can be profoundly impacted by the results.
Fay details her own journey of mental illness well, but tangles personal experience with scientific fact. Fay does not acknowledge her own privilege or the danger of implying one go rogue against the DSM.
I worry that Fay’s critique of the only existing framework for diagnosing mental illnesses may discourage those looking for professional help, but at the same time it is indisputable the DSM needs to move toward inclusivity. Understanding more about the current structure and its origins would help doctors and patients alike advocate for the health of the mind.