psychodynamic diagnostic manual

The Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual

Five major psychoanalytic groups have unveiled a new manual that will

improve the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders AND convey a

greater understanding of how such illness are experienced [1].

The Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual is based on current neuroscience

and treatment outcome studies that demonstrate the importance of

focusing on the full range, whole-person approach in mental health. It

provides a framework for improving comprehensive treatment approaches

and understanding both the biological and psychological origins of

mental health and illness.

The PDM was created to be used in addition to the "Diagnostic and

Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" and the "International

Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems".

But what is great about this new diagnostic tool is how it will

educate professionals about the "texture" and subjective experience of

mental health.

The diagnostic framework formulated by the PDM describes:

*Healthy and disordered personality functioning.

*Individual profiles of mental functioning, including patterns of

relating, comprehending and expressing feelings, coping with stress

and anxiety, observing one's own emotions and behaviors.

*Symptom patterns, including differences in each individual's

personal, subjective experience of symptoms.

I am all over this!

Resources

The Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual

Footnotes

[1] American Psychoanalytic Association, International

Psychoanalytical Association, American Psychological Association

Division of Psychoanalysis (39), American Academy of Psychoanalysis,

National Membership Committee on Psychoanalysis in Clinical Social

Work.