Interesting Changes Coming for Revised DSM

[sunblue]

I noted with some interest a recent article (http://news.msn.com/science-technology/aspergers-dropped-from-diagnosis-manual) which describes some of the upcoming revisions to the DSM.  One key change is the elimination of Asperger's Syndrome which will now fall under the Autism umbrella.  They're also adding Autism Spectrum Disorder and removing the term "gender identity disorder."  I really hope that in making these changes, those who truly are diagnosed with Asperger's won't be harmed in terms of availability of treatment, healthcare benefits or educational services. 

[BonesMS]

I noted with some interest a recent article (http://news.msn.com/science-technology/aspergers-dropped-from-diagnosis-manual) which describes some of the upcoming revisions to the DSM.  One key change is the elimination of Asperger's Syndrome which will now fall under the Autism umbrella.  They're also adding Autism Spectrum Disorder and removing the term "gender identity disorder."  I really hope that in making these changes, those who truly are diagnosed with Asperger's won't be harmed in terms of availability of treatment, healthcare benefits or educational services. 

Many of us who are struggling with Asperger's and/or Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified are struggling with this.

[Dr. Richard Grossman]

Hi sunblue and Bones,

I, too, hope that those with Asperger's are not in any way harmed by the new categorization.

Here's another article that describes what's different and what's the same in the new DSM:

http://www.clinicalpsychiatrynews.com/newsletter/the-cognoscenti/singleview-enewsletter/apa-approves-final-dsm-5-criteria/0804be1cf4ae968955e0ba8d3b473f06.html

Richard

P.S.  The personality disorder diagnoses, including Narcissistic Personality Disorder, were not changed.

[mudpuppy]

and removing the term "gender identity disorder."

It's very reassuring that changes are based solely on scientific criteria and never because of activist pressure or PC considerations.
Will go a long way toward strengthening psychology's hand as a reliable hard science.

mud

[BonesMS]

Hi sunblue and Bones,

I, too, hope that those with Asperger's are not in any way harmed by the new categorization.

Here's another article that describes what's different and what's the same in the new DSM:

http://www.clinicalpsychiatrynews.com/newsletter/the-cognoscenti/singleview-enewsletter/apa-approves-final-dsm-5-criteria/0804be1cf4ae968955e0ba8d3b473f06.html

Richard

P.S.  The personality disorder diagnoses, including Narcissistic Personality Disorder, were not changed.

Thanks, Richard.  I can only hope.

I've been unable to find a professional who is willing to accept my health insurance and provide an official assessment for the possibility of Asperger's or PDD-NOS given that I am now a senior citizen on a fixed income.  People, in my particular generation, kind of fell into the cracks.  When my cohort were still children, Asperger's was not on anyone's radar.  Our difficulties and differences were often punished....which changed nothing.  By the time Asperger's was included in the DSM around 1994, I and my age-group were already well into middle-age.  By the time the evidence became so pronounced that I could no longer ignore it, I was much older than middle-age and the professionals I encountered were more focused on children than on adults.  One of the topics of discussion, among the Aspies I hang out with, is the frustration with the system that can't seem to recognize that Aspie children BECOME ASPIE ADULTS.  Where are the resources then?  And for the "Lost Cohort" born during the Baby Boom?  What resources are available?

Many questions......few answers.

Bones