Affective Disorders in DSM-5

Abstract

SummaryThe DSM-5 Mood Disorders changes recommended by the Mood Disorders Workgroup have been summarized. Each of these changes have been reviewed for soundness of reasons for the change, reports in the literature supporting the change, and a consideration of possible negative consequences of the change by the Scientific Review Committee (SRC) or the Clinical and Public Health Committee (CPHC). While a review of all the literature submitted in support of each of these changes is beyond the scope of this article, general reasons for the changes are discussed. These changes range from the addition or deletion of diagnoses, to changes in criteria and the additions of new specifiers and dimensions. A more mood spectrum view of the range of mood disorders is reflected in the mixed specifier added across unipolar and bipolar disorders. An increased attention to suicide risk assessment is reflected in DSM-5 as well as the addition of a severity of anxiety specifier to draw clinical attention to the importance of these factors.