Should patients and their families contribute to the DSM-V process?
The authors consider arguments for and against the formal inclusion of mentally ill patients and their families in the deliberative processes leading to DSM-V. These discussions involve six key issues: the scientific status of psychiatric classifications; public policy and political considerations; the practical implications of widening the review process; the capacities of lay members of the workgroups; freedom of expression and the openness of the review process; and the uniqueness of consumer perspectives. The authors conclude that involving patients and families in the DSM review process is supportable on both scientific and public policy grounds.
Sadler
John Z
JZ
Department of Psychiatry at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390-9070, USA. john.sadler@utsouthwestern.edu
Fulford
Bill
B
D026683:Advisory Committees / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003256:Community Participation; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005190:Family; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000145:classification; D010358:Patient Participation; D014481:United States