For decades, efforts have been made to promote uniform classification
systems of mental disorders, to enhance research and consistent treatment. This article discusses the controversies regarding the influential
U.S. manual, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders and critiques the popular codependence-addiction movement, both of which discriminate against women and ignore the possibility of social change. It presents a nonstigmatizing therapeutic assessment and programming model, the psychosocial spectrum model,
and examples of relevant components of successful women's programs
throughout the world.
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