An idea worth researching: Dsm diagnosis of mental disorders as a living document

摘要

By now, most observers of the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual) process are aware that the Roman numerals used in DSM-I, II, III, and IV, have morphed to an Arabic numeral in DSM-5. The intent of this was to foster evolution of DSM as a "living document." To date, DSM development has been conceived as representing successive approximations of diagnosis to mental disorders, implemented (as one wag described) by an "orgasm" every 15-20 years, in which the entire system is overhauled, whether or not there is any evidence necessitating such overhaul. The idea underlying the "living document" is that at whatever time there is convincing evidence to modify diagnostic criteria in any particular area, only that modification would be implemented and appear as DSM-5.1, 5.2, etc. The rest of the diagnostic system would remain unchanged. This would encourage rapid response to breakthroughs in mental health, and avoid the costly, time-consuming, and often fruitless forced reexamination of diagnoses where no such breakthroughs have occurred.