26/09/2025
*️⃣Important Development in Mental Health: Moral Injury Recognised in DSM *️⃣
Moral injury refers to psychological, social, and spiritual harm that arises in high-stakes situations where an individual’s core values, expectations, or social norms are profoundly challenged.
The American Psychiatric Association has formally recognised moral injury in the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
This is a significant step in bringing visibility to the psychological, emotional, and spiritual harm experienced when individuals face morally injurious events.
This recognition provides much-needed validation and lays the foundation for more research, targeted screening, treatment pathways, and support services.
Veterans have long borne the moral burden of combat, witnessing or engaging in actions that conflict with deeply held values. Frontline workers likewise have been exposed when providing essential services and especially during crises.
At Easec, this development will directly inform the way we approach rehabilitation for veterans and frontline workers. Our consultants have long acknowledged and supported clients experiencing moral injury but until now, this has often been addressed as part of broader holistic wellbeing and rehabilitation. With moral injury now formally recognised, it enables us to:
➡️Respond to referrals that specifically reference moral injury
➡️Tailor rehabilitation strategies more explicitly to the moral, ethical, and spiritual dimensions of recovery
➡️Strengthen advocacy for appropriate support and resources for those impacted
This is a positive step forward in ensuring the experiences of our clients are not only validated but also met with services designed to address their unique needs.