1996/08/01 by David Shaffer · 1 citation
Psychology · Arts and Humanities · #Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development #Mental Health Treatment and Access #Mental Health and Psychiatry
paper · doi:10.1177/070674379604100602
openalex publication_date 1996/08/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/01
OBJECTIVE: To provide an overview of the process of creating the DSM-IV from a participant's perspective. METHOD: Narrative review. RESULTS: In its attempt to address the perceived weaknesses of both the content and development of the DSM-III and DSM-III-R, the DSM-IV development was based on commissioned reviews for sets of diagnoses, especially designed field trials and a transparent decision-making process. CONCLUSIONS: Nosology is an ambitious and complicated enterprise. Classification systems must evolve as new empirical evidence is presented. Many of the obstacles faced by the DSM-IV work groups, therefore, may be moot for those formulating DSM-V. The DSM-IV development process was carefully planned, and the profession is indebted to the American Psychiatric Association (APA) for its initiative and effort in producing this system.