Through a glass darkly: the disutility of the DSM nosology of depressive disorders
Parker, G.
Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. Revue Canadienne de Psychiatrie 51(14): 879-886
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 0706-7437 PMID: 17249630 Document Number: 597769
To demonstrate that the dimension-weighted DSM-IV model for classifying the depressive disorders lacks utility. The logical flaws in classifying the depressive disorders with any severity-based model (which underpin both the DSM-IV and ICD-10 systems) are noted. Integral definitional limitations to the DSM-IV definition of key depressive disorders are identified. It is argued that the DSM-IV classificatory system lacks utility for providing information on etiology and preferential management strategies. An alternative subtyping model is considered. It is asserted that, in practice, the DSM-IV model and criteria lack explanatory power and compromise research and clinical practice. It is hoped that this article evokes wider debate about modelling and classifying the depressive disorders.