The DSM has been pivotal in psychiatric diagnosis since 1952 but shows fundamental limitations in childhood disorders due to the absence of a unifying theoretical framework. Its reliance on a polythetic classification system without weighing symptoms by risk or long-term outcomes hampers diagnostic validity and utility for younger populations. This article traces the evolution from DSM-I through DSM-III, illustrating a shift toward specific criteria, yet critiques its lack of depth and coherence regarding underlying causes, resulting in a misrepresentation of childhood mental health needs.
The lack of a unifying theory in the DSM for childhood diagnoses compromises its effectiveness, prioritizing symptom checklists over understanding underlying causes.
Absence of protective factors in the DSM leads to skewed childhood psychiatric diagnoses, focusing on deficits rather than resilience or strengths.
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