Cross Examining Psych Doctors - Tip #30, DSM-IV vs. DSM-IV-TR

For some unknown reason, psych doctors writing medical-legal reports state they have used the DSM-IV.  The fact is that the DSM-IV-TR was published in May, 2000, rendering the DSM-IV obsolete at that time.  Accordingly, the use of the DSM-IV anytime after May, 2000 is a substantial flaw in the doctor’s report.  While many of the diagnostic criteria for disorders found in the DSM-IV-TR are the same as those found in the DSM-IV there are substantial difference in the two diagnostic manuals as summarized on pages 829 through 843 of the DSM-IV-TR.  I mention this in the event that you encounter the argument that the two diagnostic manuals are the same.  In fact, not only are multiple diagnoses different but the discussion of the various disorders are also dissimilar in a multitude of fashions.  For example, not only were a majority of the paragraphs in the DSM-IV revised to provide up-to-date information about the various disorders, information needed to make correct diagnoses, but the instructions for arriving at a GAF score were greatly expanded.  Additional information about the differences between the DSM-IV and the DSM-IV-TR can be found on the American Psychiatric Associations website (http://www.psychiatry.org).  The bottom line here is that the DSM-IV is not an appropriate diagnostic manual to use for reports written after May, 2000.

Check out my blog (http://drleckart.blogspot.com).  More help can be found at my website (www.drleckartwetc.com) and in my book Psychological Evaluations In Litigation: A Practical Guide for Attorneys and Insurance Adjusters