Mixed features of depression: why DSM-5 is wrong (and so was DSM-IV)

Br J Psychiatry. 2013 Jul;203(1):3-5. doi: 10.1192/bjp.bp.112.124404.

Abstract

The DSM system has never acknowledged a central position for mixed states; thus, mixed depressions have been almost completely neglected for decades. Now, DSM-5 is proposing diagnostic criteria for depression with mixed features that will lead to more misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment of this syndrome. Different criteria, based on empirically stronger evidence than exists for the DSM-5 criteria, should be adopted.

Publication types

  • Editorial

MeSH terms

  • Depressive Disorder / classification
  • Depressive Disorder / diagnosis*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders*
  • Humans