Abramowitz JS. Presidential Address: Are the Obsessive-Compulsive Related Disorders Related to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder? A Critical Look at DSM-5's New Category.
Behav Ther 2018;
49:1-11. [PMID:
29405915 DOI:
10.1016/j.beth.2017.06.002]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Revised: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 06/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) includes a new class of obsessive-compulsive and related disorders (OCRDs) that includes obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and a handful of other putatively related conditions. Although this new category promises to raise awareness of underrecognized and understudied problems, the empirical validity and practical utility of this new DSM category is questionable. This article critically examines the arguments underlying the new OCRD class, illuminates a number of problems with this class, and then discusses implications for clinicians and researchers.
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