The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is in the midst of a controversial determination of whether Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS) should be formally recognized as a mental disorder. The APA is reviewing proposals for additions to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the "bible" for diagnosing mental disorders.
PAS remains on the list of proposals subject to further review and has generated more mail than any other issue. The vice chair of the task force drafting the manual explained, "The passions on both sides of this are exceptional."
Currently Parental Alienation Syndrome is cited in child custody battles by some lawyers, while its legitimacy is challenged by others. Texas Supreme Court Justice Debra Lerhmann, chair of the American Bar Association's family law section, explained alienation can be raised whether or not it is actually classified as a disorder by health professionals. Recognition, however, would allow attorneys to make a stronger case for the syndrome's existence.
Explanation of Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS)
The proposal to amend the DSM to include PAS describes it as "a mental condition in which a child, usually one whose parents are engaged in a high conflict divorce, allies himself or herself strongly with one parent, and rejects a relationship with the other parent, without legitimate justification."
The syndrome gained notoriety several years ago when actors Alec Baldwin and Kim Basinger were involved in a vicious custody battle. Baldwin cited PAS as the reason for his estrangement from his daughter.
Those who believe in PAS claim a child that has been successfully alienated may exhibit several specific behaviors based upon the severity of the alienation. These include:
- Denigration of the alienated parent
- Weak explanations for the denigration and denial of outside influences
- Loss of ability to feel guilt or empathy over cruelty to the alienated parent
- Recounting of events not experienced by the child but rather came from listening to others
- Automatic support of the non-alienated parent
- Spread of animosity to the alienated parent's extended family
Two Sides of the Controversy
Feminists and advocates for battered women argue PAS is unproven and may lead to dangerous consequences. There is concern that the syndrome may be used by an abusive parent to discredit children who have real justification to fear one of their parents. Others believe that PAS symptoms exists, but relate more to a family dynamic than a formal mental diagnosis.
On the opposite side, firm believers in the condition feel its formal recognition would lead to fairer outcomes in family court, and enable children to get treatment to rebuild a relationship with the estranged parent.
As it stands now it seems the likelihood for inclusion in the DSM is slim. PAS has not been selected for field trials which are usually a prerequisite for official recognition.
It is crucial for parents involved in child custody issues to contact an experienced Texas family law attorney. These child custody battles can be contentious, with each party using any potential edge they can get on their estranged partner. An experienced lawyer can vigorously advocate your parenting skills and help you achieve the best possible outcome.
