Thursday, May 14th, 2015

As a company that specializes in short and long term planning, we are fully aware of the importance that information holds in the decision making process. Educating yourself on the issue that you are dealing with is an essential first step to making any successful decision; when you know exactly what you are facing, you are more equipped to fight for exactly what you want.

The only problem with that theory is that sometimes (actually, quite often) the information needed to make these decisions is hard to find. As parents of children with special needs know, finding this information when you need it can be virtually impossible. Here at M&L, our goal is to do everything possible to help parents find and access the information they need to create full, successful, financially stable lives for their children with special needs. In fact, our mission is to educate families about all issues pertaining to special needs, in an empathetic, methodical, non-threatening way

That’s why, when we saw this article on disabilityscoop.com, we knew we had to write about it in our blog this week. According to the article, the American Psychiatry Association (APA) has written and released a “clear and informative” guide – in plain English, no less – to the DSM-5, designed to help readers gain a thorough understanding of a vast array of mental disorders. Please join us for a discussion of this innovative, one-of-a-kind guide, and to learn how it may be of benefit to your family.

Understanding Mental Disorders: Your Guide To DSM-5®

Anyone who has a medical issue –whether the issue is of a mental health nature or not – can attest to the difficulties that can arise when seeking treatment. In the medical profession, language is sometimes complicated, and treatment and policies are sometimes indecipherable. It is certainly not a stretch to say that – from a financial perspective – insurance policies are almost always inscrutable.

Understanding Mental Disorders: Your Guide to DSM-5 is the APA’s solution to the above-mentioned barriers. The publication is aimed at individuals suffering from mental illness (as well as their family, friends, and even co-workers), and acts as a “how-to” for the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. In the guide, readers will find (among other things) clear, easy-to-understand descriptions of a vast array of mental disorders (depression, schizophrenia, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and bipolar disorder, among others) with specific symptoms, risk factors, warning signs, and related disorders. There will be information on treatments, medications for each disorder, and a glossary of terms to enhance further understanding of each condition. As well, there is also a section devoted to support groups and how to access supports and services.

According to APA spokesperson Jeff Bornstein, “empowering patients with a better understanding of what they are facing will enable them to better advocate for themselves.[i]” Patients with a thorough understanding of their condition can make informed and knowledgeable choices about their healthcare and financial resources; family members, friends and co-workers with access to this type of resource are better equipped to extend help and support. In addition, supporters of the guide point out that it is a step towards erasing the stigma that surrounds mental illness.

For more information on this guide, you may wish to read the APA’s press release, or visit the APA’s website. The guide – which was released on May 1st – can be purchased online at Amazon.

Would You Like More Information?

Thanks for taking the time to visit our blog today! We hope that this information reaches ears and eyes that need it. If you would like more information about issues pertaining to individuals with special needs, then feel free to contact us. We love to hear from our readers, and we would be happy to help you! As well, you may wish to check out our Special Needs Resources page, where we have included links to organizations and websites that may be of use to you on your special needs journey.

For further reading on issues relevant to the special needs community, you may wish to check our blog archive (organized by category, available from the drop down menu titled Blog Categories on the right had side of the webpage.) If you have any specific questions, or are interested in any particular topics, please let us know! We will do our best to feature it in an upcoming blog post.

Again, thanks for stopping by – see you next week!

[i] http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2015/05/05/psychiatrists-plain-dsm/20265/