For the first time since 1994, the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,” used by psychiatrists, health-insurance companies and others, is being revised, reports The Los Angeles Times. Medical professionals use the manual to diagnose and treat mental illnesses. It is also used as a source in courtrooms and schools.
DSM-5, the task force of psychiatrists responsible for the new edition, has made a draft of the upcoming manual available for public reading and comments on its web site. The input will be considered in the revision of the manual. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to provide feedback until April 20.
The new edition, which will be the fifth, will be published in 2013. DSM-5, which included 13 subcommittees in different areas of psychiatry, began work on the project nearly 10 years ago.
