Authorities Deliberate About Changing the Labels for Addiction
The newest diagnostic manual, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, is in the works. This is the manual that defines the criteria for various substance abuse problems as well as for what actually constitutes an addiction. The manual is developed with the supervision of the American Psychiatric Association. The manual is in the spotlight right now because there are many changes that are being made. Considering that this is the actual reference guide that is used by so many to classify and categorize psychiatric conditions, it is a very critical piece of work.
The new DSM-5 is creating numerous changes, most of which are geared towards eating disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, and addiction. It is expected that this manual will be released in May 2013. There are some categories that are being eradicated and new ones that are being added. The older categories that are mainly focused on shorter term problems are being replaced with more serious problems that include addiction.
More specifically, the changes that are being made include redefining Mixed Anxiety Depressive Disorder, Attenuated Psychosis Syndrome, Major Depressive Disorder, Personality Disorders, Pedophilic Disorder, Language and Speech Disorders, Somatic Symptom Disorder, Non-Suicidal Self Injury Disorder, Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder, Neurocognitive Disorders and the Anxiety Disorders.
The manual has always been based on criteria that clinicians and others can use to correctly diagnosis patients. While this is still going to be true there is some merging of categories to create simpler lists. Diagnoses are still made based on client criteria. The changes, in general, are being made to simplify the manual and make it easier to diagnosis patients before the problem becomes too severe. Some people will find out that they are considered high risk for some type of addiction or disorder and they will make the changes needed. In this case no further intervention might be needed.
The 11-point list of criteria that are used can determine who is at risk of becoming addicted and this is important since is much better and more cost efficient to thwart problems before they become out of control. With the newest manual clinicians will have that information and will be able to make more effective diagnoses. It also helps with educating individuals that are high risk. Many times these individuals can be screened and receive some type of behavioral counseling as a means of prevention using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
The new DSM-5 is creating numerous changes, most of which are geared towards eating disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, and addiction. It is expected that this manual will be released in May 2013. There are some categories that are being eradicated and new ones that are being added. The older categories that are mainly focused on shorter term problems are being replaced with more serious problems that include addiction.
More specifically, the changes that are being made include redefining Mixed Anxiety Depressive Disorder, Attenuated Psychosis Syndrome, Major Depressive Disorder, Personality Disorders, Pedophilic Disorder, Language and Speech Disorders, Somatic Symptom Disorder, Non-Suicidal Self Injury Disorder, Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder, Neurocognitive Disorders and the Anxiety Disorders.
The manual has always been based on criteria that clinicians and others can use to correctly diagnosis patients. While this is still going to be true there is some merging of categories to create simpler lists. Diagnoses are still made based on client criteria. The changes, in general, are being made to simplify the manual and make it easier to diagnosis patients before the problem becomes too severe. Some people will find out that they are considered high risk for some type of addiction or disorder and they will make the changes needed. In this case no further intervention might be needed.
The 11-point list of criteria that are used can determine who is at risk of becoming addicted and this is important since is much better and more cost efficient to thwart problems before they become out of control. With the newest manual clinicians will have that information and will be able to make more effective diagnoses. It also helps with educating individuals that are high risk. Many times these individuals can be screened and receive some type of behavioral counseling as a means of prevention using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.