DSM-V from the perspective of the DSM-IV experience.
OBJECTIVE
This article provides a brief overview of the development of the diagnostic criteria for eating disorders in DSM-IV.


METHODS
The process by which DSM-IV was developed is reviewed, including perspectives on what constitutes diagnostic validity and clinical utility, and their importance in assessing proposed changes in diagnostic criteria.


RESULTS
The question of whether alterations in diagnostic criteria would clearly improve clinical utility was a major consideration in the DSM-IV process. Because of concerns that changes in diagnostic criteria would be disruptive and might entail loss of established knowledge, the DSM-IV Task Force assumed a generally conservative stance vis-à-vis change.


CONCLUSIONS
The process of developing DSM-V is just beginning, and it is far from clear what alterations in diagnostic criteria for eating disorders will occur. However, the evolution of DSM-IV may provide a useful perspective on the development of DSM-V.
Walsh
B Timothy
BT
Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA. btwl@columbia.edu
D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans