Event HELD for the Release of the Controversial "DSM-5"

Online, May 23, 2013 (Newswire.com) - The University of Washington Bookstore announced today that it will host a discussion event on May 29th surrounding the much anticipated release of the fifth edition of The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM-5, which serves as the guidebook used by mental health professionals and by insurance companies to provide a standard for identifying and determining the qualifying conditions for mental conditions.

Anticipation has mounted over the past few years as rumors have been leaked about the major changes planned for the Fifth edition, which replaces the Fourth Edition adopted in 1990. Millions of Americans are potentially affected by these changes, from self-identification to possible changes in treatment and insurance coverage. In recent months, the Fifth Edition of the DSM has been met with a backlash of controversy over the changes, which notably includes broadening the term Autism to encompass the spectrum of specific Autism diagnosis, as well as the addition of new mood disorders and the re-definition of others.

Although the DSM-5 is the product of over 10-years of research and debate conducted by hundreds of international mental health experts, the release of the DSM-5 has already precipitated a rift within the industry, leading the National Institute of Mental Health to officially withdraw its support for the DSM-5 in recent weeks in advance of its release.

The University of Washington's Bookstore will host a discussion of changes to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) on May 29th at 7:00 pm. The event will include speakers, refreshments, an opportunity for discussion, and the DSM-5 will be available for purchase. Sponsors of this event include: University of Washington School of Social Work, Ryther, and Washington Autism Alliance & Advocacy. Marie Loeb, one of the organizers of the event stated, "The DSM is a tool that we use, and how people understand themselves and their loved ones and it deserves a conversation about how we understand these differences in functioning."

The event will run from 7:00 to 8:30 pm and will showcase speakers from community mental health, as well as time for discussion. Speakers will include: Dr. Nicholas Weiss, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, http://drnickweiss.net/; Ben Wahl, MSW, program manager at Ryther's Aspiring Youth, http://www.ryther.org/aspiring-youth/; and Rachel Gerken, MA, LMHC, Interim Manager of Mental Health Services at UW Medicine's Hall Health Center http://depts.washington.edu/hhpccweb/content/clinics/mental-health/rachel-gerken-ma-lmhc.

The event is open to the public and all will be welcome. Those interested in participating beyond attendance are encouraged to contact Marie Loeb at [email protected].