The DSM-III in Canada: a survey

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Medical Informatics

Background:

• The Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA) surveyed its members regarding the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Third Edition (DSM-III).
• The survey also assessed support for the CPA's policy of not endorsing specific classification systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To gauge CPA member reactions to the DSM-III.
• To determine support for the CPA's non-endorsement policy regarding classification systems.

Main Methods:

• A survey was distributed to the Canadian Psychiatric Association membership.
• A response rate of 26.3% was achieved.
• Data were collected on the usage of past, current, and preferred future classification systems, including DSM-III, DSM-II, and ICD-9.

Main Results:

• 66.6% of respondents had studied the DSM-III in detail.
• The DSM-III was the preferred future classification system (42.0%), surpassing ICD-9 (16.3%).
• 70.8% had a favorable impression of the DSM-III, with many desiring an ICD-10 incorporating DSM-III features.
• 54.8% supported changing the CPA's non-endorsement policy, while 39.7% favored maintaining it.

Conclusions:

• The DSM-III is well-regarded among surveyed psychiatrists and is the preferred system for future use.
• There is significant support for revising the CPA's policy on endorsing classification systems.
• If the CPA policy changes, the DSM-III has the most support for endorsement.