Skip to content

Need to talk? Call or text 988 (US)

RecurrentDepression

New DSM Seems Flawed, Disappoints Many

David Mazoor, M.D.Published February 28, 20101 min read

Key points

  • The latest American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, which has been released after 7 years of constant analysis and work, seems to have disappointed many, with some experts stressing that the latest release is like a proof of the “discipline’s floundering writ”.
  • Patients who go in to look for a diagnosis of mood disorders, based on this manual, there are chances that they might end up being diagnosed with a condition which does not even exist to begin with, and be treated with a medicine which is no more effective than a placebo.
  • In the new manual, some have managed to find quite a number of flaws, which look like the subject has lost its way in a dense forest of hardly verified diagnoses and medications which are poorly ineffectual.
  • Despite that there are some serious disappointments in the DSM-V, it is not all that bad.

The latest American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, which has been released after 7 years of constant analysis and work, seems to have disappointed many, with some experts stressing that the latest release is like a proof of the “discipline’s floundering writ”.

In the new manual, some have managed to find quite a number of flaws, which look like the subject has lost its way in a dense forest of hardly verified diagnoses and medications which are poorly ineffectual.

Patients who go in to look for a diagnosis of mood disorders, based on this manual, there are chances that they might end up being diagnosed with a condition which does not even exist to begin with, and be treated with a medicine which is no more effective than a placebo.

Despite that there are some serious disappointments in the DSM-V, it is not all that bad. It has managed to put the huge jumble of developmental syndromes for children into a single group of “autism spectrum disorders”, which makes more sense.

Jason Ramsey
topnews.us

Revised and edited by

David Mazoor, M.D.

Medically reviewedLast reviewed

The content on this site is for information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 (US) or your local emergency number.

Depression Support Blog

What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger

We seem to fare better after facing a few knocks compared to those who sail through life with no problems. A study has demonstrated how adverse experiences foster adaptability and resilience, with resulting advantages for mental health and well-being. Suffering

2 min read

Depression Support Blog

Depression And Mood Disorders

Depression: A Look at Possible Treatments for this Mood Disorder Depression is a mood disorder that can happen due to many reasons. Usually, a person suffering from depression has prolonged phases of sadness often accompanied by unexpected mood fluctuations. There

2 min read

If you need help now

Reaching out is a sign of strength.

If you are thinking about suicide or worried about someone, talk to someone today. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.