What to Know About the DSM-5-TR

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) is a comprehensive update to the DSM-5, released in 2013. Here are key changes and updates:

Cultural Sensitivity:

• The DSM-5-TR uses more culturally and ethnoracially sensitive language, addressing issues of race, racism, and discrimination in mental health diagnosis.
• It employs terms like "racialized" and "ethnoracial" to replace outdated and stigmatizing language.
• Data on the prevalence of disorders among specific cultural groups is included to address misdiagnosis and disparities in care.

Gender and Sexuality Updates:

• The DSM-5-TR updates terminology related to gender dysphoria with more inclusive and affirming terms.
• It revises terms like "desired gender" and "cross-sex medical procedure" to "experienced gender" and "gender-affirming medical procedure," respectively.

Revised Criteria for Children:

• The DSM-5-TR clarifies diagnostic criteria for several childhood disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder, disruptive mood regulation disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and prolonged grief disorder.
• These changes aim to improve diagnostic accuracy and ensure consistency in diagnosis across settings.

Revised Criteria for Adults:

• The DSM-5-TR adds new disorders, including prolonged grief disorder and unspecified mood disorder.
• Diagnostic criteria for existing disorders like autism spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, and PTSD have been updated based on research and clinical experience.
• These updates enhance accuracy and reliability in diagnosis.

Overall Contributions:

• The DSM-5-TR incorporates cultural, gender, and diagnostic changes based on scientific knowledge and clinical experience.
• These changes aim to improve the accuracy and cultural sensitivity of mental health diagnosis, leading to better outcomes for individuals seeking care.