The definition of addiction is getting a re-write in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (“DSM”). This change would result in coverage for treatment of these illnesses by Medicaid, Medicare and other health insurers. While some of the changes are welcome, such as recognizing that gambling is an addiction, there are those that are suspect.
There is discussion that the catchall category “behavioral addiction” be included in the DSM. This category would cover addictions to sex, shopping and using the internet. These are very real addictions that are placed under a general catchall category to possibly hide another motive.
By providing a catchall for behavioral addiction, the stage is set for big pharma to start creating new addictions for which their medications would treat. Now I have no problem with people making money, however this constant scaremongering is, in my opinion, unethical.
Telling the public that they are constantly in danger or negligent because they are not doing something is just plain wrong.
What do you think about adding a catchall category to the definition of addiction?