Newly Revised Diagnostic Manual Expected to Impact Children’s Diagnoses and Treatment
For the first time in 15 years, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is about to be revised and republished as DSM-5. This much-anticipated revision greatly impacts the mental health field because the publication has become the standardized mental health manual and diagnostic resource. Of special note, one of the top priorities of the researchers who are reviewing is to rethink some children’s disorders, particularly bipolar disorder.
Inclusion of a new disease means potential increased funding for research and insurance coverage for patients. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration usually only approves drugs for listed diseases or symptoms.
Much has been written about the new DSM-5, expected in May of 2013, and we wanted to share a Wall Street Journal article that explains how new diagnoses are identified, discussed and included. Read the article.
