Clinical utility and DSM-V
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Updated: Jun 20, 2026

A Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Eating Disorder Analysis and Diagnosis
Published on: May 10, 2022
Stephanie N Mullins-Sweatt1, Thomas A Widiger
1National Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA. stephanie.sweatt@gmail.com
Abstract:
The construction of the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic manual has been guided primarily by concerns of construct validity rather than of clinical utility, despite claims by its authors that the highest priority has in fact been clinical utility. The purpose of this article was to further articulate the concept and importance of utility when constructing and evaluating a diagnostic construct. It is suggested that a relative emphasis on validity over utility is justifiable but that matters of clinical utility should not be neglected. Discussed in particular is ease of usage, communication, and treatment planning. Suggestions for future research are provided.
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