DSM-5 Articles
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"Is there a secret DSM with accurate information that only a privileged few are allowed access to? And a fantasy DSM for all the rest of us?" |
Knowledge is Necessity. In February 2010, the American Psychiatric Association's DSM-5 Task Force issued its Proposed Revisions to the DSM, scheduled for final publication in 2013. This collection of articles constitutes my response, which boils down to the fact that when it comes to mood disorders those responsible for coming up with a practical diagnostic guide for clinicians and patients badly let us down. My opening article explains why.
Next is a series of report cards, where I dole out failing grades. For instance, why isn't the reality of the mood spectrum acknowledged in either the depression or bipolar diagnosis?
Then there is my "People's DSM" project, where I come up with my own alternative depression and bipolar diagnostic criteria. I don't claim infallibility, but it is fair to say that The People's DSM much more closely approximates clinical reality than the official version. The People's DSM should be read in the spirit of getting fresh conversation rolling, an opportunity that the DSM-5 people willfully ignored.
Don't worry, no one listens to me.
I've also included a critique of personality disorders, the one job the DSM-5 people did right. This may be a depression and bipolar website, but until we come to grips with our various personality issues we will find ourselves stuck, well short of recovery.
Start anywhere you like ...
The pic to illustrate The DSM-5 is a close-up of Rembrandt's "Moses." Was there any other choice?
Introductory Overview
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The Draft DSM-5: Rip It Up and Start Over What went wrong. |
DSM-5 Report Card
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Expect liberal use of the sixth letter of the alphabet. |
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Are we asking too much? Yes, apparently. |
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Kraepelin got it right the first time. Expect the DSM to get it wrong the fifth time. |
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Is TDD the "anything but child bipolar diagnosis? |
The "People's DSM"
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My Alternative Depression Diagnosis - I If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself. |
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My Alternative Depression Diagnosis - II Let us acknowledge depression is complex. |
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My Alternative Bipolar Diagnosis - I Let's start by changing the name. |
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My Alternative Bipolar Diagnosis - II Let's keep it simple. |
Personality Disorders
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Can you tell borderline from antisocial? Neither can the DSM. |
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Makes sense, but hardly quick and simple. |
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Our clinicians want it quick and simple, but what about us? |
