Is there child abuse? DSM-5 V995.51 Child Psychological Abuse. That is the question of concern. That is the question clinical psychology can answer.
It is the obligation of clinical psychology to accurately diagnose child abuse when it is present, and it is the obligation of clinical psychology to protect the child 100% of the time.
When possible child abuse is a considered diagnosis, the diagnosis from healthcare must be accurate 100% of the time. The consequences for the child of misdiagnosing child abuse are too severe and destructive.
In healthcare, the appellate system for a disputed diagnosis is second opinion, or even third. Throughout all of healthcare, diagnosis guides treatment, if we treat cancer with insulin the patient dies from the misdiagnosed and mistreated cancer. In healthcare, our diagnosis must be accurate 100% of the time because when we misdiagnose and mistreatment pathology people get hurt – badly hurt.
Misdiagnosis is unacceptable. Diagnosis guides treatment. Always. An accurate diagnosis is needed to guide effective treatment for the pathology (for the problem).
When possible child abuse is a considered diagnosis, as it often is in the family courts, the diagnosis from the mental healthcare system must be accurate 100% of the time, and since it is anticipated to be a disputed diagnosis, a second opinion consultation should be common and frequent in court-involved clinical psychology.
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