Does anyone know about the changes coming for the DSM-V and bipolar disorder?

Question

My psych doctor told me that the DSM-V will include a broader explanation for bipolar disorder, in that it will define this in terms of a spectrum based on the different symptoms of the disease. Can anyone explain this further in layman's terms? Thanks!

Answer 1

The DSM-V is still very much in it's working groups, so no changes are set in stone.  That said, the goal is to develop a more graduated diagnostic model of bipolar (indicating severity and variety of symptoms, for example) and to develop more objective measures for the disorder.  These may be in the assessment of neurological function or similar measures.