Reducing Bias in Writing (part 2/5)

There is a difference between “case,” which is an occurrence of a disorder or illness, and “patient,” which is a person affected by the disorder or illness and receiving a doctor’s care. Instead of “manic-depressive cases were treated,” try “the patients with bipolar disorders were treated.”

Avoid terms such as “patient management” and “patient placement” when appropriate. Usually, the treatment, not patients, is being managed; some alternatives are coordination of care, supportive services, and assistance. Also avoid the term “failed,” as in “eight participants failed to complete the Rorschach and the MMPI,” because it can imply a personal shortcoming instead of a research result; 'did not' is a more neutral choice (Knatterud, 1991).


From the APA Publication Manual (6th ed) (2010): Section 3.11, Reducing Bias in Language.