Psychopathology and public policy

Journal/Book: Clin Psychol Sci Practice. 1997; 4: Journals Dept, 2001 Evans Rd, Cary, NC 27513. Oxford Univ Press Inc. 272-275.

Abstract: An effective definition of psychopathology would be helpful in distinguishing between normal and abnormal behavior and would provide guidance for important public policy decisions. Overinclusive definitions, such as the capacity/disability formulation, do not provide meaningful direction for defining need or assessing eligibility for insurance or other entitlements. Coping failures due to lack of skill, inadequate preparation, or other factors should be distinguished from those due to dysfunction or disturbance of psychological mechanisms. The capacity/disability formulation encourages confusion between different performance decrements and gives no guidance for appropriate boundaries for psychotherapy.

Note: Article Mechanic D, Rutgers State Univ, Inst Hlth Hlth Care Policy & Aging Res, 30 Coll Ave, New Brunswick,NJ 08903 USA

Keyword(s): psychopathology; public policy; diagnosis; social dysfunction; disease model

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