Entry on mental illness is added to AP Stylebook

[HereSince1628]

The entry is already available in the AP Stylebook Online

A few highlights from the press release of the entry that might be considered by DUers opining on mental health stories in the news:
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http://www.ap.org/content/press-release/2013/entry-on-mental-illness-is-added-to-ap-stylebook

<snip>

Do not describe an individual as mentally ill unless it is clearly pertinent to a story and the diagnosis is properly sourced.
When used, identify the source for the diagnosis.

<snip>

Do not use derogatory terms, such as insane, crazy/crazed, nuts or deranged, unless they are part of a quotation that is essential to the story.

Do not assume that mental illness is a factor in a violent crime, and verify statements to that effect. A past history of mental illness is not necessarily a reliable indicator. Studies have shown that the vast majority of people with mental illness are not violent, and experts say most people who are violent do not suffer from mental illness.

<snip/more>

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Forbes magazine suggests that the AP has made a good start but doesn't go far enough. Checkout their suggestions about 4 paragraphs into their piece, for the most part these deal with being specific not only about diagnosis but also specific about treatments--because of great differences in treatment, writing that a person was treated for depression says very little.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/toddessig/2013/03/11/the-stigma-of-mental-illness-3-ways-to-improve-the-new-ap-stylebook-entry/