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Friday, May 16, 2008
my letter regarding the DSM-V'
(sent to apa@psych.org)
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I was disturbed to read recently of Dr. Kenneth Zucker's appointment as chair of the task force for Sexual and GI Disorders on the DSM-V. I feel that he is not an appropriate person for this position, because of his use of "reparative therapy" on children who may be experiencing Gender Identity issues, as outlined in this essay: http://obsidianwings.blogs.com/obsidian_wings/2008/05/close-my-eyes-i.html
As I am sure you are aware, the DSM is seen as the "shrink's bible" and is furthermore widely used in determining eligibility for disability compensation. Given the DSM's influence, I feel it's wrong to appoint as the chair of an editing task force a professional whose work is so questionable for the very people who will be affected by the DSM classification in question. If Dr. Zucker's work has been defunded by his own government, it probably shouldn't be influencing the DSM either.
I would urge you to rethink your appointment of Dr. Zucker to this position, and appoint someone instead whose work is not so damaging to the people who will be affected by the DSM editorial changes. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Mary U. Herrmann
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I was disturbed to read recently of Dr. Kenneth Zucker's appointment as chair of the task force for Sexual and GI Disorders on the DSM-V. I feel that he is not an appropriate person for this position, because of his use of "reparative therapy" on children who may be experiencing Gender Identity issues, as outlined in this essay: http://obsidianwings.blogs.com/obsidian_wings/2008/05/close-my-eyes-i.html
As I am sure you are aware, the DSM is seen as the "shrink's bible" and is furthermore widely used in determining eligibility for disability compensation. Given the DSM's influence, I feel it's wrong to appoint as the chair of an editing task force a professional whose work is so questionable for the very people who will be affected by the DSM classification in question. If Dr. Zucker's work has been defunded by his own government, it probably shouldn't be influencing the DSM either.
I would urge you to rethink your appointment of Dr. Zucker to this position, and appoint someone instead whose work is not so damaging to the people who will be affected by the DSM editorial changes. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Mary U. Herrmann
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