Article~DSM-5 revised in response to comments...

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DSM-5 revised in response to comments; clinicians prepare to field-test

Thousands responded to the first-ever call for public input on the new version of the psychiatric manual, scheduled for publication in 2013.

"...One particularly contentious issue was left untouched: the grouping of the current four classifications of autism spectrum disorders into one.

.... Still more controversy

More changes to DSM-5 are expected as it gets field-tested by clinicians on its way to a 2013 release.

How DSM-5 handles autism and related conditions remains in dispute. The largest number of comments received on any specific category were about neurodevelopmental disorders.

In DSM-IV, autism is split into four categories: autistic disorder, Asperger's syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified.

DSM-5 proposes the four categories be grouped together under "autism spectrum disorder." The APA's DSM-5 website explains: "A single spectrum disorder is a better reflection of the state of knowledge about pathology and clinical presentation."

Chicago pediatric neuropsychologist Hunter, PhD, has heard concerns about the proposed changes from parents of the autistic children he treats -- particularly parents of children with Asperger's syndrome.

"This is on their radar. ... I think they're really struggling with understanding [how their] child, who doesn't have a classic presentation of autism, would still [be considered to have] autism spectrum disorder" under DSM-5, said Hunter, associate professor of psychiatry and pediatrics at the University of Chicago. He also is director of pediatric neuropsychology at the University of Chicago Medical Center."

http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/06/21/prl20621.htm

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