DSM-5 and Psychiatry's Second Revolution: Descriptive vs. Theoretical Approaches to Psychiatric Classification

A large part of the controversy surrounding the publication of DSM-5 stems from the possibility of replacing the purely descriptive approach to classification favored by the DSM since 1980. This paper examines the question of how mental disorders should be classified, focusing on the issue of whether the DSM should adopt a purely descriptive or theoretical approach. I argue that the DSM should replace its purely descriptive approach with a theoretical approach that integrates causal information into the DSM’s descriptive diagnostic categories. The paper proceeds in three sections. In the first section, I examine the goals (viz., guiding treatment, facilitating research, and improving communication) associated with the DSM’s purely descriptive approach. In the second section, I suggest that the DSM’s purely descriptive approach is best suited for improving communication among mental health professionals; however, theoretical approaches would be superior for purposes of treatment and research. In the third section, I outline steps required to move the DSM towards a hybrid system of classification that can accommodate the benefits of descriptive and theoretical approaches, and I discuss how the DSM’s descriptive categories could be revised to incorporate theoretical information regarding the causes of disorders. I argue that the DSM should reconceive of its goals more narrowly such that it functions primarily as an epistemic hub that mediates among various contexts of use in which definitions of mental disorders appear. My analysis emphasizes the importance of pluralism as a methodological means for avoiding theoretical dogmatism and ensuring that the DSM is a reflexive and self-correcting manual

Clinical Significance of Treatment Effects with Aripiprazole versus Placebo in a Study of Manic or Mixed Episodes Associated with Pediatric Bipolar I Disorder

OBJECTIVE: Published studies in adult and pediatric bipolar disorder have used different definitions of treatment response. This analysis aimed to compare different definitions of response in a large sample of children and adolescents. METHODS: Anexploratory analysis of a 4-week, multicenter, placebo-controlled study assessed patients (n=296; ages, 10–17 years) with an acute manic/mixed episode associated with bipolar I disorder who were randomized to aripiprazole (10 or 30 mg/day) or placebo. The primary efficacy endpoint was mean change from baseline to week 4 in Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) total score. Additional assessments included: Clinical Global Impressions–Bipolar Disorder (CGI-BP) Overall and Mania scales, Child Global Assessment Scale (CGAS), and parent and subject General Behavior Inventory. Response was compared across seven operational definitions. Cohen's κ and Spearman's correlation tested relationships between various response definitions or changes in outcome measures and clinically meaningful improvement (defined as a CGI-BP Overall Improvement score of 1 or 2). RESULTS: Response rates varied depending upon the operational definition, but were highest for 95% reliable change (statistical method used to determine individual change from previous assessment) and ≥33% reduction in YMRS total score. Response rate definitions with the highest validity in terms of predicting clinically meaningful improvement were: ≥50% reduction on YMRS (κ=0.64), a composite definition of response (YMRS <12.5, Children's Depression Rating Scale-Revised (CDRS-R) ≤40, and CGAS ≥51; κ=0.59), and 95% reliable change on the CGAS or 33% reduction on YMRS (κ=0.56). Parent ratings of symptoms were generally better at detecting symptom improvement than were subject ratings (κ=∼0.4–0.5 vs. ∼0.2 when compared with CGI-BP Overall Improvement score). CONCLUSIONS: Clinically meaningful definitions of response in acute treatment of a manic/mixed episode in pediatric subjects include a 50% change in YMRS and a composite measure of response. Parent-reported measures of symptom improvement appear reliable for assessing symptom change