title: Religious or spiritual problem. A culturally sensitive diagnostic category in the DSM-IV.
abstract: A new diagnostic category entitled religious or spiritual problem has been included in the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) under Other Conditions That May Be a Focus of Clinical Attention. Along with several other changes, this category contributes significantly to the greater cultural sensitivity incorporated into DSM-IV. The authors review the approval process, including the changes that were made in both the proposed new category and the former V Code section of DSM-III-R. In addition, the definition, assessment methods, types, and clinical significance of religious and spiritual problems are clarified, along with the differential diagnostic issues raised by the definitional changes in the former V Code section. Finally, clinical issues involving cultural sensitivity and the implications for future research are addressed. The new category could help to promote a new relationship between psychiatry and the fields of religion and spirituality that will benefit both mental health professionals and those who seek their assistance.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, USA.
authors.forename: R P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Turner
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lukoff
authors.forename: R T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Barnhouse
authors.forename: F G
authors.initials: FG
authors.lastname: Lu
mesh_terms: D003469:Culture; D006801:Humans; D008273:Magic / Q000523:psychology; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D009228:Mysticism / Q000523:psychology; D011570:Psychiatry; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012064:Relaxation Therapy; D012069:Religion and Psychology; D013140:Spiritualism / Q000523:psychology; D009626:Terminology as Topic