Maladaptive denial of physical illness: a proposal for DSM-IV

Denial of physical illness is a commonly encountered problem in consultation-liaison psychiatry. Although there is an extensive literature on denial, it has virtually ignored the diagnostic issues raised by the individual whose denial of physical illness is clearly maladaptive. The authors propose t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inThe American journal of psychiatry Vol. 147; no. 9; p. 1168
Main Authors Strauss, D H, Spitzer, R L, Muskin, P R
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.09.1990
Subjects
Adjustment Disorders - classification
Adjustment Disorders - diagnosis
Adjustment Disorders - psychology
Adult
Aged
Attitude to Health
Denial (Psychology)
Diagnosis, Differential
Disease - psychology
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Patient Compliance
Psychiatry
Referral and Consultation
Sick Role
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Summary:Denial of physical illness is a commonly encountered problem in consultation-liaison psychiatry. Although there is an extensive literature on denial, it has virtually ignored the diagnostic issues raised by the individual whose denial of physical illness is clearly maladaptive. The authors propose that DSM-IV include a subtype of adjustment disorder called "with maladaptive denial of physical disorder." They discuss this new category, its differential diagnosis, and the benefits to clinical practice of this proposed addition to diagnostic classification.
ISSN:0002-953X
DOI:10.1176/ajp.147.9.1168