Erasing Anthropological Knowledge in American Psychiatric Classification: The Culture Concept for DSM-6
Abstract
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has introduced its concept of culture for the sixth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-6). However, these articles do not cite recent work from cultural psychiatrists trained in anthropology or anthropologists of mental health. In this article, I analyze the APA's proposed culture concept, review recent culture theories from cultural psychiatrists and anthropologists in prior DSM revisions, and suggest ways for anthropologists to engage the APA.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Mental Health and Psychiatry
Mental Health Treatment and Access
Personality Disorders and Psychopathology
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Medical Anthropology
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Volume
- 45
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 346–354
- Publication date
- 19 May 2026
- Language
- EN