Is Parental Alienation Disorder a Valid Concept? Not According to Scientific Evidence. A Review of Parental Alienation, DSM-5 and ICD-11 by William Bernet

Abstract

This article reviews a recent book arguing how a concept known as parental alienation syndrome—now parental alienation disorder—should be included in official psychiatric/psychological and medical classification diagnostic manuals. Anecdotal cases and opinion are presented as research and scientific evidence, and stories are presented as research studies. In addition, the book often contradicts itself in different sections. The author is not familiar with scientific methodology, confuses various statistical and research procedures and terminology, and thus misleads the reader in trying to promote this theory. This book's claim that it is the most comprehensive compilation of the evidence supporting parental alienation disorder/parental alienation syndrome is false, and it is not recommended by the reviewers.

Keywords:

• child abuse
• sexual abuse
• child custody
• divorce
• junk science
• PAS
• PAD

Additional information

Notes on contributors

M. Brianna Pepiton

M. Brianna Pepiton, PsyD, currently functions as a Forensic Consultant and Trainer for the Family Violence and Sexual Assault Institute and the Institute on Violence, Abuse and Trauma, as well as the staff psychologist for Alpine Special Treatment Center in San Diego, California.

Lindsey J. Alvis

Lindsey J. Alvis, PhD, is a Staff Psychologist for the California Department of Mental Health, Vacaville Psychiatric Program.

Kenneth Allen

Kenneth Allen, MA, is a doctoral student and currently working on his dissertation at the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University in San Diego, California.

Gregory Logid

Gregory Logid, MA, is a doctoral student and currently working on his dissertation at the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University in San Diego, California.