Psychiatrists Plan to Overhaul the Mental Health Bible—And Change How We Define ‘Disorder’

A massive reference book of mental health conditions known as the “bible” of psychiatry is going to change.

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“I’m not sure [this new model for diagnosis] will have any strong utility at this point,” says psychologist Ashley Watts. “I’m worried that by trying to please everyone, we please no one.”

The proposed changes would allow mental health professionals to give more nuanced diagnoses. Currently, people are diagnosed with named conditions, such as major depressive disorder or bipolar I disorder, with very specific criteria—partly because health insurance needs these for accurate billing. But providers might not have enough information available to make a correct diagnosis; an emergency room doctor treating someone experiencing a psychotic episode likely doesn’t have the capacity to know if their diagnosis should be schizophrenia, bipolar I or something else.

Read the whole story (subscription may be required): Scientific American