Testing DSM-5 in routine clinical practice settings: feasibility and clinical utility

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry and Mental Health
• Clinical Psychology
• Healthcare Services Research

Background:

• The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) introduced new criteria and measures.
• Field trials were conducted to assess the feasibility and clinical utility of these proposed changes in routine clinical practice settings (RCP).

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical utility and feasibility of proposed DSM-5 criteria and measures.
• To assess the reception of the DSM-5 approach by both clinicians and patients in real-world settings.

Main Methods:

• Data were collected online over six months from a diverse group of mental health clinicians.
• Clinicians enrolled patients, conducted diagnostic interviews, and completed DSM-5 assessments.
• Patients completed self-assessments of symptoms and disability, with feedback on the measures.

Main Results:

• A large majority of clinicians found the DSM-5 approach easy and useful for assessing both pediatric and adult patients.
• Clinicians rated the DSM-5 approach as superior to DSM-IV.
• Patients and parents reported that the cross-cutting measures enhanced clinician understanding of symptoms.

Conclusions:

• The DSM-5 approach demonstrated feasibility and clinical utility across various routine practice settings.
• Both clinicians and patients responded positively to the DSM-5 criteria and measures.