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The Diagnostic Spectra Study Group is chaired by Steven E. Hyman, M.D. This study group is charged with examining the ways in which disorders in DSM-5 might be organized. This organizing framework should reflect our current and best understanding of how disorders are related to one another, which is important for both clinicians and researchers. DSM-IV disorders are, for the most part, grouped together based on similarity in symptoms. However, advances in neuroscience, brain imaging, and genetics suggest that alternate methods of organization may be more appropriate. The Spectra Study Group has developed a list of validators, or factors that work groups can use in reviewing the literature to assess the relatedness of groups of disorders. These validators include:
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shared genetic risk factors (whether specific genes are associated with the occurrence of a disorder);
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familiality (the degree to which a disorder occurs amongst family members);
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shared specific environmental risk factors;
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shared neural substrates;
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shared biomarkers;
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shared temperamental antecedents;
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shared abnormalities of cognitive or emotional processing;
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symptom similarity;
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high rates of co-occurrence between disorders;
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course of illness;
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and treatment response.
The members of the Spectra Study Group are listed below.
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- Carpenter, William T., Jr., M.D.
Fawcett, Jan, M.D.
Kraemer, Helena C., Ph.D.
Kupfer, David J., M.D.
Narrow, William E., M.D., M.P.H.
O'Brien, Charles, M.D., Ph.D.
- Phillips, Katharine A., M.D.
Regier, Darrel A., M.D., M.P.H.
Rubio-Stipec, Maritza, Sc.D.