DSM-5: Open Comments Deadline June 15

For the third and final time, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) has invited the public to comment on the proposed criteria for the upcoming DSM-5. From May 2 until June 15, public responses submitted to the DSM-5 Web site will be considered by the DSM-5 Work Groups, assigned to assess the latest scientific evidence and to recommend the disorder definitions and criteria to be included in the manual.

Nearly 10,800 health care professionals, mental health advocates, families, and consumers submitted comments in the first 2 open periods (one in 2010 and one in 2011). APA President John M. Oldham, MD, notes, "The comments we have received over the past two years have helped sharpen our focus, not only on the strongest research and clinical evidence to support DSM-5 criteria but on the real-world implications of these changes." Dr Oldham continues, "We appreciate the public's interest and continued participation in the DSM-5 development process."

Members of the DSM-5 Task Force and Work Groups have updated their proposals for diagnostic criteria based on recently published research and results from DSM-5 field testing of the criteria, as well as public comments received since 2010. Key changes posted for this round of public review can be found at http://www.psychiatry.org/advocacy--newsroom/newsroom/dsm-5-draft-criteria-open-for-public-comment.

Feedback to the proposed diagnostic criteria can be made through www.DSM5.org until June 15. The Task Force will then make final recommendations to the APA Board of Trustees. The final version of DSM-5 is expected to go before the Board of Trustees in December 2012 and publication of DSM-5 is expected in May 2013.