This was an interesting post. Thanks for sharing. I don't know that I agree with PAS being made in to a mental disorder under the DSM-V. Before you hog tie me, let me explain.

Personally, I don't believe it is an actual disorder in and of itself. Instead, I believe it is a pervasive symptom of an already disordered mind. Meaning PAS is real.... However, it is almost always utilized by BP's who are suffering from undiagnosed (sometimes even diagnosed) mental problems. Make sense?

Best wishes!

I agree that it's not a "mental disorder" but as distoredreality stated, it's a symptom of an already disordered mind. Yes, PAS is real and it is caused mainly by a BIOPARENT that is attempting to control situations and or people (the child, the x, the SO of the other parent, grandparents, etc). Therefore, if you had a bioparent who encouraged a relaitonship with the other bioparent and biofamily (typically the father) the child would not PAS.

I didnt read the whole article-but from someone that uses the DSM daily I think it should be included-but as a V code. These are diagnosis that are not necessarily a mental health disorder, but more things that could be problems-such as partner relational problem, sibling relational problem, etc. These are typically not payable dx per insurance.

I agree that many PASers could fit a different dx-however I dont think all of them can. There is often PAS behavior that goes on with "good" parents-this is typically the first level of PAS behavior. It can be very subtle things such as a tone of voice or a look on your face when you talk about the other parent. Additionally, I believe there are normally good parents that turn to PAS behavior because they have been unable to cope with stress, life, the divorce, whatever. They regress to a poorer level of parenting due to their current stressors. Lots of parents are able, at some point, to realize their errors and stop this behavior. Sadly, it's often too late for the kiddos.