Report of the DSM-V Childhood and Adolescent Disorders Work Group
November 2008
Daniel Pine, M.D.
Work performed by the Childhood and Adolescent Disorders Work Group has revolved around two central themes. First, considerable time has been devoted to developing procedures that would enable greater emphasis on developmental themes throughout DSM-V than in DSM-IV. Second, the work group has been engaged in preparing individual reviews in specific areas.
Very early in the process of delineating work group goals, the need to formally establish coherent, clearly-defined structure was identified. After this structure had been effectively established, the Child and Adolescent Disorders work group focused on considering potential procedures for increasing developmental focus in DSM-V, relative to DSM-IV. These procedures led to proposals that were formally assessed by the work group, and incorporated into a document that was circulated to the entire DSM-V Task Force and each Work Group. The document delineates three specific suggestions. One of these focuses on enhanced text revisions to focus on specific aspects of age-related features. A second extends the designation of age-related subtypes beyond conduct disorder, the only age-related subtype in DSM-IV. The third proposal calls for a novel addition to DSM-V, emphasizing developmental manifestations of each mental disorder listed in DSM-V. Through meetings with various other Work Groups, the Child and Adolescent Disorders Work Group is attempting to implement these proposals.
Work group deliberations also focused on finalizing literature reviews. Two types of literature reviews have been prepared. One set of these considers novel additions to DSM-V. The second set considers revisions to existing disorders. Efforts have involved interactions with the Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Disruptive Behavior Disorders, and Neurodevelopmental Disorders Work Groups.