title: Attenuated psychosis syndrome: need for debate on a new disorder.
abstract: This 'pro' statement of the controversial issue, defending the need for a new disorder classification of attenuated psychosis syndrome (APS), provides data supporting the clinical validity of this category and responds to the most frequently asserted criticisms. It provides arguments why APS is not pathologizing non-ill behaviors and is not stigmatizing for those affected but rather they merit clinical attention for what is already manifest. It also argues against the view that establishing the diagnostic category of APS results in an unreasoned excessive use of antipsychotic medications but rather encourages prevention and early intervention programs. Finally, bodies of research are presented which could contribute to further validating APS and provide the preconditions for moving this category from Section 3 to Section 2 of DSM-5.1.
authors: Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, and VA Capitol Health Care Network (VISN 5) MIRECC, Baltimore, Md., USA.
authors: William T
authors: WT
authors: Carpenter
mesh_terms: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D011307:Drug Prescriptions / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013577:Syndrome; D019564:Unnecessary Procedures
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents