For the first time in nine years, DSM-5 has undergone a text revision. DSM-5-TR, released in March 2022, contains updates and clarifications for the descriptive texts and criteria of most disorders. Extensive commentary now reviews racism’s and discrimination’s effects on the manifestation and diagnosis of mental disorders, and several wording updates have been made. For example, “experienced gender” replaces “desired gender” in the diagnosis of gender dysphoria. Other noteworthy changes in terminology include “antipsychotic medication or other dopamine receptor blocking agent” for “neuroleptic,” “intellectual developmental disorder” for “intellectual disability,” and “neurological symptoms disorder” for “conversion disorder.” DSM-5-TR lists criteria for a newly recognized condition: prolonged grief disorder. Other notable changes include the addition of symptom codes for suicidal conduct and nonsuicidal self-injury, and the reinstatement of “unspecified mood disorder.” DSM is the most widely used resource for mental disorders worldwide, so it’s good to see updates that reflect advances in research and terminology.

Sincerely,

Victoria Hendrick, MD