It's the foundation of psychiatric diagnosis. And it's about to get a makeover
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The diagnostic manual known as "the Bible of psychiatry" is about to get a major overhaul.
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) puts out the tome known in the field as the DSM-5. That stands for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition.
The APA outlined its thinking and approach for the next revision in five studies published Wednesday in The American Journal of Psychiatry.
Instead of a weighty volume, the next DSM will be "a living document" online and easier to update. The APA hasn't set a strict timeline and hasn't decided yet if it will be called the DSM-6 or some new name. But it is seeking input from a broad range of both mental health professionals and people who have psychiatric conditions.
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"The DSM is really the foundational framework for mental health diagnosis," said Dr. Maria Oquendo, chair of the Strategic Committee in charge of the future of the manual, speaking at
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