Welcome to the continuing education course on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or DSM-5. This newly released manual has brought many positive changes to the field of mental health, including a new emphasis on research-based risk factors for suicide and a better understanding of how an individual's culture impacts their symptoms. In this course, you will gain a deeper understanding of the APA's philosophical goals for the DSM-5, as well as the significant shifts in diagnoses and diagnostic criteria. We will also explore the new section on Assessment Measures, including the Cross-Cutting Symptoms Measures and the Clinician-Rated Dimensions of Psychotic Symptom Severity. Additionally, we will delve into the disorders found to be at higher risk for suicide and violence. By the end of this 8-hour course, you will be equipped with valuable knowledge and insights that will enhance your ability to diagnose and treat mental health disorders. 

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:

• Knowledgeable of the APA's philosophical goals in the structure and content of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition.
• Understanding of the shift to a linear diagnosis and the reasons for this shift.
• Familiar with the significant shifts in diagnoses, diagnostic criteria, and the re-organizing of diagnoses.
• Aware of the new section Assessment Measures including the Cross-Cutting Symptoms Measures, Clinician-Rated Dimensions of Psychotic Symptom Severity, and the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule.
• Knowledgeable of the disorders found to be at higher risk for suicide and for violence.