Diagnosing the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders

‘In remarkably clear prose, noted philosopher Rachel Cooper provides an even-handed guide through many of the most controversial issues surrounding the development of the DSM-5. Both laypersons and professionals will find this succinct book the ideal starting point for understanding current psychiatric diagnoses.’- Allan V. Horwitz, Board of Governors, Professor of Sociology, and Acting Director, Institute for Health, Health Care Policy, and Aging Research, Rutgers University’This is a fascinating and rich exploration of the DSM-5, a text with profound theoretical and practical impact on the world of mental health. The book is written with impressive clarity, focusing on the important issues stemming from the DSM and explaining them simply, clearly, and intelligently. Using her philosophical acumen, as well as her extensive research in the history of psychiatry, Cooper has fashioned a unique book, which I am certain will become a classic in the field.‘- Havi Carel, University of Bristol and author of Illness: The Cry of the Flesh

Rachel Cooper studied for her PhD in History and Philosophy of Science at Cambridge University, and is currently a Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at Lancaster University, U.K. She works mainly on conceptual problems around the classification of mental disorders. Her previous publications include ‘Classifying Madness’ (Springer, 2005) and ‘Psychiatry and the Philosophy of Science’ (Acumen, 2007).