Comparing Rates of Diagnosis Using DSM-IV-TR Versus DSM-5 Criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Area of Science:

• Developmental Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) introduced significant revisions to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnostic criteria.
• These changes from the previous version, DSM-IV-TR, were met with controversy, particularly concerns about potential loss of diagnosis for some individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the differences in the application of diagnostic criteria between DSM-5 and DSM-IV-TR.
• To analyze these differences in a specific population: infants and toddlers.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of diagnostic criteria application.
• Utilized a sample of infants and toddlers diagnosed with or suspected of having ASD.

Main Results:

• Fewer individuals met the diagnostic criteria for ASD under DSM-5 compared to DSM-IV-TR when considered independently.
• A greater proportion of individuals met the criteria for both DSM-5 and DSM-IV-TR simultaneously.
• Individuals exhibiting higher symptom severity were more likely to meet criteria for both diagnostic versions.

Conclusions:

• The study highlights meaningful differences in how DSM-5 and DSM-IV-TR criteria are applied to diagnose ASD.
• These findings underscore the importance of understanding diagnostic shifts, especially in early childhood development.