Diagnosing diagnostics

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders has always been considered by many to be confusing and inefficient. With the recent edition’s release date pushed back multiple times, the scientific population wonders whether the DSM-V will finally be up to par.

Two broad changes regarding the general structure of the DSM include re-organizing its 20 chapters so the order is contingent upon the relatedness of disorders to one another and the removal of the multiaxial system of categorizing disorders.

Personally, I believe that both of these adjustments will ease communication across psychological professions as well as decrease the stigma the DSM has encountered for its complicated organization.

So far, so good.

But what if we delve deeper into changes being made regarding a number of specific mental disorders?

Binge eating disorder has been moved from DSM-IV’s Appendix B to the DSM-V’s Section 2, effectively legitimizing the disorder as “real.”

This necessary change should be welcomed. In a modern society where being thin is idealized, binge eating disorder becomes a serious issue that should not be ignored.
Hoarding disorder will make its debut in the pages of the DSM-V.

After watching the horrifying and sad stories on A&E’s documentary series “Hoarders,” I think it is about time that these people, who clearly show irrational attachment to countless objects, receive the help they deserve.

Excoriation disorder, also known as skin-picking disorder, is new to the DSM-V as well.

I do not necessarily endorse or oppose its addition, but I did honestly wonder how many people experienced symptoms of this condition before its admittance into the manual.

I suppose this disorder illuminates how truly comprehensive the DSM is becoming.

Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder will be included in the DSM-V, which is essentially intended to reduce the number of children diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder rather describes children who exhibit persistent irritability and frequent episodes of behavior outbursts three or more times a week for more than a year.

Although this disorder may very well be legitimate, the description seems much too general and parallels what most would typically describe as a child prone to temper tantrums.

Everyone has heard of a toddler’s terrible twos, and quite honestly, I am fully aware that I was a tiny terror as a young child.

The Diagnostics and Statistical Manual-V certainly seems to have converged upon numerous beneficial changes that have the potential to positively progress that future of mental disorder diagnosis.

Of course, criticisms will undoubtedly arise as soon as the release date passes, but all in all, I applaud the new edition.

­— kfasone@indiana.edu