how does a disorder get removed from the DSM?

The process of defining and describing 'mental disorders' is an interesting topic.  How does something become labeled as 'normal', or 'abnormal', pathological, or not? 

The DSM (diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders) is the main tool that we use.  Did you know that until relatively recently homosexuality was listed in the DSM?! 

This podcast gives a fascinating peek into the process of how homosexuality was removed from the DSM.  http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/204/81-words

Sharing a podcast: the experience of male sexual abuse

This podcast http://mentalpod.com/Dr-David-Lisak is disturbing and upsetting, but it provides valuable insights into the child victim's experience of sexual abuse. It particularly focuses on males who have been abused.

Sharing a resource: free podcasts on parenting young children

Zero to Three is an amazing resource for all kinds of information on children birth to 3 years.  It's my go-to website when I'm looking for good quality research and practical advice.

I was thrilled to just find their podcast series "Little kids, big questions."  Check out all of the great titles that are available for your listening pleasure.
A valuable resource for parents and professionals.
http://www.zerotothree.org/about-us/funded-projects/parenting-resources/podcast

Sharing a podcast on love

I'm so grateful to the colleague that shared this podcast. 

http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/317/unconditional-love

It's from This American Life, on the topic of love.  It brings many of my professional interests together in a compelling and emotional hour.  From Harry Harlow's research on attachment, to treating and parenting a child with an attachment disorder, to making the decision to place a child who has autism in residential treatment, it powerfully conveys the primacy of love in parent/child relationships.

I hope that you can find the time to listen to it.

Insightful story on Cuckoo's Nest

If, like me, you are interested in the idea of diagnosis and psychiatric treatment as a means of social control, or you just enjoy a great podcast, check this out.

NPR podcast on One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest, including clips from the book author, actors, and individuals who were psychiatric staff at the time. 

http://www.studio360.org/story/american-icons-one-flew-over-the-cuckoos-nest/

It makes me want to watch the film again.

Sharing a resource: pocast on coping with holiday stress

Autism College is an excellent resource for expert advice and information on Autism Spectrum Disorders. 

Tonight (Nov 20, 13) they are offering a free podcast "Enjoying the holidays and managing stress."  Whether on not we are officially 'on the spectrum', I think we are all susceptible to the stress that comes along with the holidays.

Check them out here  http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e8as33h7ed1d19d5&llr=pi7vyonab

sharing a resource: podcast on sex trafficking

Thankfully more agencies and programs are prepared to work with victims of sex trafficking.  Here's a free podcast from the awesome Social Work Podcast on the topic. 

 

 

http://socialworkpodcast.blogspot.com/2013/05/identifying-and-responding-to-sex.html

In case you are not familiar, podcasts are online audio files.  Jonathan Singer does a great job of interviewing experts in the field.  He has posted a bunch of podcasts that are archived here for you to listen to at any point.

http://socialworkpodcast.blogspot.com/p/podcast-archives.html