American Association of Community Psychiatrists' Views on General Features of DSM-IV

Objective: The authors report on a survey of the American Association of Community Psychiatrists (AACP) about improving DSM-IV. Methods: An anonymous survey was sent to 600 psychiatrists of the AACP via Survey Monkey technology. Results: Respondents (N=152) answered questionnaires regarding the general features of DSM-IV. Reliable interclinician communication was valued most highly. A majority of respondents (92%) reported using axis 1, 75% used axes 2 and 3, and approximately 50% used axes 4 and 5. AACP members were less keen on using the tool to inform patient management planning. Least valued were usefulness for a national statistical base or to indicate prognosis. Conclusions: AACP respondents’ views suggest modification to the DSM system to improve clinical utility. Most favored fewer than 100 diagnostic categories. Many were concerned about the current systems’ cultural sensitivity and accessibility to patients. These considerations should guide DSM-V deliberations. (Psychiatric Services 59: 687–689, 2008)