My contribution to the DSM V, seriously.

The DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) is the standard text used by mental health professionals when considering mental illness diagnoses. Currently, the fourth edition is in use (DSM IV), and the fifth edition is being planned/prepped, expected to be published in 2013.  

The reason I’m bringing this up is that I have a rather personal connection in the making of the DSM V.  I’m one of the subjects being used in the updated data collection for the statistical manual - particularly, the personality axis.  

Since I’m registered in the CAMH patient registry I was contacted to participate in the formation of the new improved version of the DSM.  I thought that was pretty neat and I wanted to take part of it because I felt it was very important to help improve the treatment of mental illness. 

The CAMH researchers explained the purpose for the survey I participated in as follows:  

“Purpose - the book that clinicians use to make diagnoses of mental health problems is being revised. The new book will be called DSM-5. This study, which is sponsored by the University of Minnesota Press Test Division, will evaluate a new measure designed to assess personality as defined in DSM-5”

The particular study I participated in focussed on the aspects of personality.  The survey was lengthy and many questions were asked.  Some questions were relevant to my mood disorder, while others weren’t.  I assume the survey questions were based on a broad range of disorders not specific ones. 

I don’t remember them all but a few questions really hit home for me. Here are a few examples:  

1. While falling asleep or waking up do you have vivid dream-like images?
2. Do you like to do new and adventurous things?
3. Do you believe you will eventually commit suicide?
4. Do you prefer to spend time alone as opposed with others socially?
5. Do you feel that others don’t appreciate/understand your ideas/thoughts?

They were all weighted on a scale from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (highly agree).

These questions were very personal to me because these topics have always set me apart from ‘normal’ people - those not mentally ill I suppose.  If researchers come to recognize these traits in others who may need intervention I hope that better treatment of the mentally ill can happen in the future.  It would be satisfying to know that my personality traits will be formally acknowledged and possibly help recognize others like me who need help.  

Its nice to know that I had input in the DSM-V, and that, in turn may help others.