DSM-V
i notice the DSM-V is on its way, they have a website where if you log in you are allowed to comment on their proposed revisions, DSM-V.org,
i work in an Early Intervention in Psychosis Team so am always interested in things concerning psychosis.The DSM-V is floating an idea that 'at risk of psychosis syndrome' should be included, either in the main book or as an appendix for future research. it made me quite surprised that what they had included as the symptoms of at risk of psychosis is what we call someone experiencing a psychosis. not at risk but actually experiencing it. so i pondered whether we label the experience too early and what the positives of labeling is anyhow apart from the fact people are often relieved that what they are experiencing has a name and other people with the same label can get mutual support when they all have the same label, it also makes it easy for people to say a one or two word name rather than a speech of symptoms. SO do we label psychosis too early i'm not sure but the DSM-V is not going to change that but it may mean people are diagnosed earlier and if that is the case we can collaboratively do some great work on learning how to cope with their experinces and trying to stop them from being distressing, whether this is through pychotheraphy, psychology, CBT, art therapy, medication, family work and old fashioned engagement.
The DSM-V has recognised that early intervention leads to better outcomes however it does not say what early intervention is, I wonder whether if it is listed in the book, some doctors may prescribe anti-psychotics even earlier than they do at the moment, there has been a few stories come out of the American press regarding young children and psychosis, do you remember Jani the 7 year old schizophrenic (sic) and Rebecca Riley the four year old girl with a diagnosis of bipolar both which i found quite disturbing, the medicalisation of childhood. Children and young people dont need powerful medication as a first response they need time with someone to help them understand what is happening and why and ways to manage what can be distressing experiences, as we know sometimes the medication can have side effects that can be hard to handle too.
anyway it made me wonder what the point of the DSM-v is, is it a
diagnostic manual or is it like the phone book of mental disorders?