title: [A balanced perspective on psychiatric classification].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Professional journals in the Dutch language have played hardly any part in the recent controversies relating to DSM-5. So far, there has been no philosophical analysis of these discussions.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To discuss the current philosophical and psychiatric literature pertaining to the current debate on psychiatric classification. Our main focus will be on a scientific and realistic approach to classification.
  
  
  METHODS
  We discuss the literature from historical, scientific and philosophical perspectives.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ever since the publication of DSM-III, discussions about DSM classification and an analogous debate in philosophy have mirrored the epistemological debate between scientific realism and antirealism. Psychiatry has defended its position mainly via realism. This position, however, is strongly contested, but there are philosophical alternatives available which offer an escape from the increasingly jammed debate.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A different philosophical basis for psychiatric classification leaves room for pluralism, increased normative validity and a more sustainable professional legitimacy.
authors.forename: A S G
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Ralston
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Swinkels
mesh_terms: D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D006801:Humans; D008370:Manuals as Topic; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010686:Philosophy, Medical