The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)

Are you familiar with the DSM? Basically, it's the Psychiatrist's 'bible', a list of mental health conditions for which treatment can be prescribed. The fifth edition is currently being compiled by a panel of Psychiatrists in the United States and it's controversial - because of the questions it raises about what a mental disorder is and at what 'symptom' level individuals are eligible for medication. Radio 4's Today Programme this morning hosted an interview between one of the Psychiatrists on the panel and a UK spokesman (David Kupter), who was giving voice to the ground swell of disquiet about proposed new inclusions in the fifth edition. Watch this space for more about  'Disruptive Mood Regulation Disorder' (or temper tantrums) and 'Mild Neurocognitive Disorder' (read age-related forgetfulness).