Psychologist Attitudes Toward DSM-5 and Its Alternatives

What is it about?

This study found that nearly 90% of psychologists use DSM despite dissatisfaction with it. Psychol- ogists see DSM’s main advantage as third-party insurance reimbursement. Though they wish to see alternatives developed, they are unfamiliar with and unsupportive of any besides the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). Psychologists want alternatives but have a practical need to get paid that DSM currently meets.

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Photo by Sigmund on Unsplash

Photo by Sigmund on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This study affirms something remarkable: Despite ongoing attention to revising and improving DSM over the past four decades, psychologists remain lukewarm toward it and strongly interested in alternatives. However, until alternatives are better known and provide the necessary practical advantages, psychologists will likely continue to use DSM despite their mixed feelings about it.