The Fifth Edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5): What is New for the Pediatrician?

T he Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of MentalDisorders (DSM) is the most importantresource for the purpose of psychiatricdiagnoses, whether by the psychiatrist or the general practitioner. The American Psychiatric Association published the fifth edition of DSM (DSM-5) [1], containing significant changes in the diagnostic criteria for certain disorders from those in DSM-IV, which had been in widespread clinical use for nearly two decades [2]. DSM-5 was developed over a six-year official process utilizing the contributions of more than 400 multi-disciplinary professionals from varied specialties from across the world. Pervasive developmental disorders (Autism spectrum disorder), Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and Global developmental delay/Mental retardation are common childhood neurodevelopmental disorders and comprise the bulk of referrals to Child Developmen