Ralph May, Psy.D.

An Update on DSM
by Ralph M. May, PsyD

The changes in DSM-5 reflect a revolution in thinking about diagnosis. This training helps the clinician to understand the historical context of diagnosis, the summary of changes to diagnostic organization in the DSM-5, and the impact these changes have upon treatment.

Goals and Objectives

By the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to:

  1. acquire an understanding of DSM-5 in the historical context of diagnosis;
  2. review the changes in DSM-5 in comparison with DSM-IV;
  3. understand the impacts of the DSM-5 on treatment.

Presentation Outline

  1. Introduction
    1. The history of diagnosis in the USA
    2. The DSM system and the evolution of diagnosis
    3. The DSM-5 and how it came about, warts and all
  2. DSM-5
    1. The organization of DSM-5
    2. The major changes from DSM-IV
    3. The good, the bad, and the ugly
  3. Review of Major Diagnosis
    1. Neurodevelopmental Disorders
    2. Trauma Disorders
    3. Schizophrenia
    4. Personality Disorders
    5. Mood Disorders
    6. The Others of Major Interest
  4. The Specifiers
    1. Motivational Ratings
    2. Suicide Risk
    3. Cultural Issues
    4. Level of Functioning vs. GAF
  5. The "Section 13" Issues
  6. Conclusion and Discussion