The road to DSM-V. Bipolar disorder episode and course specifiers.

Full Abstract

There is general agreement that DSM-IV and ICD-10 require major improvements in format and content to make them more valid, evidence-based and clinically useful. DSM-IV-TR currently includes a series of clinical features that provide potentially useful information on cross-sectional and longitudinal courses of bipolar disorder. This conceptual and data-driven review proposes changes in the current classification by removing, modifying and adding bipolar episode and course specifiers in DSM-V. Specifiers to be maintained would be 'with catatonic features', 'with melancholic features', 'with atypical features' and 'with rapid cycling'. The 'seasonal pattern' modifier should be amended to allow manic, hypomanic and mixed episodes to be included in the description. Some specifiers should likely be substantially reconceptualized ('severity/psychosis/remission') or removed ('with post-partum onset'). Age at onset (early, intermediate or late onset) and predominant polarity (manic, depressive) should be added for their relevance for course and outcome. 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Author information

Author/s: Colom, F (F); Vieta, E (E);

Affiliation: Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, University of Barcelona, Spain.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Review

Journal: Psychopathology (Psychopathology), published in Switzerland. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-; vol 42 (issue 4) : pp 209-18

Dates: Created 2009/07/02; Completed 2009/10/05;

PMID: 19451753, status: MEDLINE (last retrieved date: 10/5/2009)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

External Links for this article
(including full text providers, if available):

Click Electronic Full-text Provider Links to see options for finding the electronic full text links to this article. Note there may be a subscription or fee required for access to the full text. See our FAQ for information on finding FREE full text articles.

This article may also be located in paper journal collections available in many libraries. Use the Journal and Publication Information above to find the full article.