The experts in charge of revising psychiatry’s diagnostic manual are considering one category, autistic spectrum disorder, for all types of autism.

The typically milder forms of autism known as Asperger’s and P.D.D.-D.O.S. (pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified) are currently categorized separately.

The doctors and scientists working on the D.S.M.-V, short for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, want to revise the manual to acknowledge that mental disorders such as autism often have multiple problems that affect both mind and body.

Supporters feel that a “spectrum” diagnosis will encourage health care professionals to recognize and treat the whole patient rather than a single issue. Some doctors are concerned how such a change would affect their patient's insurability.

The public will be able to comment on the proposed changes beginning sometime in January on the American Psychiatric Association Web site. The new edition will be published in 2012.

Source: New York Times

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