Transcript Changes to the Diagnosis of Childhood Disorders

Julia London
Educational & Developmental Psychologist and
Clinical Psychologist at RPCS
 The
DSM-5 is a documented classification
system, used by clinicians and researchers to
assist in the accurate diagnosis and
treatment of Mental Disorders.
 DSM-5 stands for the Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th
Edition.
 It is the most recent publication of the
classification system which has been
continuously updated over the last 60 years,
with the DSM-5 publication in May 2013.
APA, 2013
 The
DSM-5 classification system is widely
used and provides common language for
discussing disorders and symptoms between
health professionals.
 Changes to the classifications in the DSM will
impact diagnosis and treatment of a wide
range of mental health issues. With an
estimation that 20% of the Australian
population have a diagnosable mental
condition, this is likely to impact many
students, staff and families in our school
community.
AIHW, 2013
 Neurodevelopmental
Disorders
 Schizophrenia Spectrum and Psychosis
 Mood Disorders and Bipolar
 Anxiety Disorders
 OCD and related disorders
 Trauma
 Feeding and Elimination Disorders
 Disruptive, Impulse Control and Conduct
 There
have been some major changes to
particularly the neurodevelopmental and
disruptive impulse control and conduct
disorders categories
 There has also been a new addition to the
depressive disorders category
 Such disorders with diagnostic changes
include: ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder,
Social Communication Disorder, Intellectual
Disability, Learning Disorders
 Import
criteria
All children are different, even those who have
the same diagnosis, so it is unlikely that a set of
intervention strategies will apply to all students
 Some strategies that are helpful for all students
include: small groups, one to one teaching,
minimise distractors such as noises, have clear
and concise expectations, give advanced warning
for changes to normal routines, provide visual
aids etc
 Many students with diagnoses will require
additional and individualised interventions, such
as story boards for particular situations, IEPs,
alternate consequences for problem behaviours
etc

 Implications
for funding
 How will this impact interventions for
students
 What should I be looking for in my students
that may indicate they require an assessment
or support
 Where can I go for help or information
 Are there any other disorders you commonly
see in your schools that require further
discussion
 APA
2013
 AIHW 17/6/2013
http://www.aihw.gov.au/mental-health/