US Pharm. 2013;38(6):18.

Washington, DC—The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has released the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Considered “the bible of psychiatry,” this is the first comprehensive update since 1994. According to the APA, the book “contains a listing of diagnostic criteria for every psychiatric disorder recognized by the U.S. health care system.” Changes include the addition of mental disorders such as hoarding, binge eating, and disruptive mood dysregulation disorder. One of the most controversial updates involves grouping all of the subcategories of autism under a single category, autism spectrum disorder. Detractors have criticized the new edition for trying to turn too many examples of “normal” behavior into diagnosable conditions.

To comment on this article, contact rdavidson@uspharmacist.com.