While reading the DSM-5, I experienced many different emotions and contemplated why so many complex processes were all neatly organized into one publication. As an Expressive Arts Therapy response, I decided to reconstruct the DSM-5. After considering multiple meanings of the words “manual” and “disorder” (see definitions below), I was inspired to physically alter the DSM-5 into a self-revised version that I refer to as the Diagnostic Manual of Disorder (DMD). Included inside the revised copy is a DVD that displays a do-it-yourself guide to making your own diagnostic manual of disorder.
manual
[man-yoo-uhl]
- done, operated, worked, etc., by the hand or hands rather than by an electronic device.
- involving or using human effort, skill, power, energy, etc.
- a small book, especially one giving information or instructions.
disorder
[dis-awr-der]
lack of order or regular arrangement.
- breach of order; disorderly conduct; public disturbance.
- to destroy the order or regular arrangement of; disarrange.
You can view my performance piece on the process in the video below:
Diagnostic Manual of Disorder: A Deconstruction of the DSM-5 from Brit Davis on Vimeo.
