The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is the handbook that professionals use to diagnose mental health conditions, including panic disorder. Published by the American Psychiatric Association, the DSM is currently in its fourth edition. The newest, fifth edition, is scheduled to be released in May of 2013. With many new diagnoses added and changes to the way current disorders are diagnosed, the DSM 5 is not being embraced with open arms.
According to blog posts on Psychology Today, organizations for several groups of mental health professionals, including the American Counseling Association and the American Psychological Association, have expressed concern about the new DSM. These professionals claim that the changes in the DSM will potentially lead to over diagnosing and medicating clients.
There are several proposed changes in the diagnostic criteria of panic disorder that will be featured in the DSM 5. One of the most notable changes is the separation of panic disorder and agoraphobia into two distinct mental health conditions.Despite upcoming changes and growing concerns, the DSM will remain the bible of diagnostic criteria.
As a client, it is important that you understand your diagnosis and are comfortable with your mental health provider. Being misdiagnosed or seeing a professional who you feel does not address your needs, can prolong your recovery process and interfere with your treatment. Listed here are a few resources to make sure you are on the right track:
- Top 10 Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Panic Disorder
- Getting the Most Out of Therapy
- Could You Have Been Misdiagnosed?
- Why Isn't Therapy Working?
- Do You Need to Change Doctors?
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