[A philosophical information leaflet to accompany a DSM classification]

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Medical Education
• Philosophy of Medicine

Background:

• The introduction of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) has prompted renewed debate on mental disorder classification.
• Public understanding of DSM classifications may be limited, leading to misconceptions about their nature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To facilitate a conceptual shift among professional users of classifications.
• To encourage viewing classifications as diagnostic aids rather than definitive problem or illness labels.

Main Methods:

• A 'thought experiment' was designed to support DSM classifications.
• This experiment involved creating a medicine package with an accompanying 'philosophical' information leaflet.

Main Results:

• The thought experiment and associated materials were presented to students, trainee doctors, and clinicians.
• Participants included those at the University Medical Center Groningen and the Dr. S. van Mesdag Clinic.

Conclusions:

• Students and trainee doctors successfully achieved the intended conceptual switch.
• The medicine package and philosophical leaflet were instrumental in aiding this shift in understanding DSM classifications.