Worden we beter van de DSM-5?

The DSM-5 was published in May of 2013. Important changes have resulted in greater harmony with the ICD and the discontinuation of the multi-axial system. Some people have criticised changes to the DSM-5 compared to the DSM-IV, arguing that it might lead to the overdiagnosis of mental disorders. One critic, Allen Frances, mentioned Binge Eating Disorder (BED) as an example; however, many studies indicate that BED is a reliable and valid diagnosis. Several arguments have been provided in support of the DSM-5 being a true improvement compared to its predecessor, the DSM-IV: the emphasis on empirical research data, the inclusion of a dimensional approach and more attention paid to a cross-cultural perspective.

Conflict of interest: none declared. Financial support: none declared. The author is a member of the DSM-5 Work Groups ‘Eating Disorders’ and ‘Impairment and Disability’.