Now that each of the DSM-5 Work Groups are finalizing their draft diagnostic criteria, the next phase of DSM-5 development is focused on implementation of field trials, which began in 2010.  The overall aim of the DSM-5 Field Trials is to assess the feasibility, clinical utility, reliability, and (where possible) the validity of the draft criteria and the diagnostic-specific and cross-cutting dimensional measures being suggested for DSM-5. Based in part on feedback received from visitors to this Web site, work groups revised their draft criteria and, along with the DSM-5 Research Group, selected which diagnostic criteria sets were most in need of field testing. To view a list of proposed disorders currently under study in the DSM-5 Field Trials, please click here.

 

A limited number of standardized and methodologically strong study designs are being used to enhance our ability to compare test results across various sites and disorders. Specifically, members of the DSM-5 Research Group created two standardized protocols for the DSM-5 field trials. One version, which is described in detail here, is designed for academic or other large clinical settings with established research infrastructures.  In these settings, we will assess the clinical utility,  feasibility, reliability, and where possible, the validity of selected DSM-5 draft diagnostic criteria as well as the clinical utility, feasibility, reliability, and sensitivity to change of the cross-cutting and diagnostic-specific severity measures. The second version, described in detail here, is focused on solo practitioners and smaller routine clinical practice settings. This second design will assess the clinical utility and feasibility of draft diagnostic criteria as well as the clinical utility, feasibility, and sensitivity to change of the cross-cutting and diagnostic-specific severity measures. 

 

After completion of the DSM-5 Field Trials, work group members will make any necessary revisions to their draft criteria. These revised criteria will be posted online, and this site will once again be open to submission of public comments.

For more information about the timeline of DSM-5 events, including field trials testing, please click here. A list of Frequently Asked Questions about DSM-5 Field Trials can be found here. A consumer-friendly version of Frequently Asked Questions about DSM-5 Field Trials is also available.

Related Links