Controversy: Revision of the DSM-IV to DSM-V

Criticisms of the DSM-5 Task Force

This fifth revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or DSM will be the standard classification of mental disorders (Nauert, 2011). Mental health professionals and other health professionals will use this standard in their diagnoses and researches. The American Psychiatric Association released a draft of proposed changes after a decade of review and revision by the Association. Allen Frances, chairman and editor of DSM IV, and Robert Spitzer, editor of DSM III, expressed objections to the task force conducting the revisions and the proposed revisions. Present chairman is David Kupfer and vice chairman is Darrel Regier (Nauert; Collier, 2010).

The DSM-5 Scientific Review Work Group is tasked with providing quality evidence to support the proposed revisions (Spitzer & Frances, 2010). The objections or problems relating to its work are continued secrecy, the intended paradigm shift, and composition of the group, charge, method, and timing. Dr. Allen Frances’ editorials assailed the work group’s lack of transparency in the methods, progress, timelines, and products it uses (Collier, 2010). Dr. Robert Spitzer raised the same objection to the lack of transparency, especially when he was refused the minutes of a meeting in 2008. Dr. Spitzer argued that this lack of openness deters the free flow of information between the work group and outside experts necessary for proper revision (Collier). These were in response to the announcement made by that its deliberations and reports would be confidential and only its existence will remain public.

Composition of Work Group and Charge

Dr. Frances (2010) lamented the group’s claim that it would r...

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Nauert, R, editor (2011). Revised psychiatric diagnosis manual, DSM-V. Psych Central:

American Psychiatric Association. Retrieved on January 26, 2011 from

http://psychcentralcom/news/2010/02/11/revised-psychiatric-diagnosis-manual-dsm-v/11366.html

Oldham, J, editor (2010). DSM-5: a work in progress. Vol 16 # 6 Journal of Psychiatric

Practice: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc. Retrieved on January 26, 2011 from

http://journals.lww.com/practicalpsychiatry/Fulltext/2010/1100/DSM_5_A_Work_in_Prorgress_1_aspx

Spitzer, R. and Frances, A. (2010). DSM 5 in distress. Letter to Board of Trustees of the

American Psychiatric Association. Psychology Today: Sussex Publishers LLC.

Retrieved on January 26, 2011 from http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/dsm5-in-distress/2010/2/spitzerfrances-letter-apa-trustees