Specify, Specify, Specify

Today’s post is going to be less in-depth due to the nature of the topic. I will be discussing specifiers in the context of the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Specifiers are used to pinpoint the exact nature of a disorder. Rather than putting a blanket statement of a disorder, clinicians will use a specifier so that it is easier to understand what the individual is going through as exact as possible. Let’s say I go to a therapist and I’ve been diagnosed with major depressive disorder. I hit all the needed criteria and have been given the diagnosis. The therapist would then need to specify the type of major depression I have. For this specific disorder there are a few specifiers that we could assign to it. You can state whether or not this is a single episode of major depression or it’s been recurring. You could specify the intensity of the episode from mild to severe. Maybe it’s been a couple of years, I have had a better outlook on life and everything in general. During my next appointment the therapist may specify whether or not my depression is in remission (either fully or partially). You could even specify if my depression is accompanied with any psychotic features. Depending on the specifier would determine the next steps in the treatment plan. You wouldn’t treat someone with depression with psychotic features the same way you would treat someone where their depression is in remission.

I hope that you have a better understanding of specifiers and their importance. If there are any questions or concerns please reach out. Leave a comment, subscribe for more and all that good stuff. Otherwise I will be back next week sometime for a new post.