This insightful article by Paul Tautges utilizing Jonathan Holmes’ great work tells us that there is trouble in the psychiatric/psychological world:
When the National Institute of Mental Health announces it is NO LONGER relying upon the DSM, that is a HUGE announcement. It would be like Baptists or Presbyterians announcing that they will no longer rely upon the Bible.
The “Downplaying the DSM” article (http://dish.andrewsullivan.com/2013/05/10/done-with-the-dsm/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+andrewsullivan%2FrApM+%28The+Dish%29&utm_content=Google+Reader) says that the DSM has been reliable but NOT valid. Validity is a problem and they recognize that they can serve people with mental illness better. What a true statement, only they need to turn to the Word for biblical diagnoses.
Imagine rejecting “Intermittent Explosive Disorder” from the DSM and replacing it instead with the “angry man” label from Proverbs 22:24-25. Then, the diagnosis of “angry man” could be researched biblically to find out what God says about it and how to overcome it for His glory alone. Ah, wouldn’t that be nice?!?!?
The key difference in the two labels, Intermittent Explosive Disorder and Angry Man, is that the first one excuses behavior as a disorder for which one is not responsible while the second one places the responsibility upon the Angry Man to make different, wise choices. True transformation and freedom is possible with the second but it is not ever possible with the first label abbreviated as IED.
I am grateful for God’s truth and its liberating power when people humble themselves, take responsibility for their sins, and repent by turning to Christ alone for transformational power.
-Mark (in Christ alone and His Word alone)