DSM-5-TR SUMMARIES 1
DSM-5-TR Summaries: Initial Assignment
Ashara Morrisbrown
School of Behavioral Sciences, Liberty University
Author Note
Ashara Morrisbrown
I have no known conflict of interest to disclose.
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Ashara Morrisbrown.
Email: acmorrisbrown@liberty.edu
DSM-5-TR SUMMARIES 2
DSM-5-TR Summaries: Initial Assignment
Understanding how to navigate the DSM-5-TR is critical to the career of a counselor due
to the requirement of diagnosing and assessing clients. Knowing how to read, understand, and
locate the information contained in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5th Edition (American
Psychiatric Association, 2013) allows counselors to effectively do their jobs. The DSM-5-TR
Summaries Assignment presents future counselors with the opportunity to understand and
analyze the categories that counselors are most likely to confront. The initial DSM-5-TR
summaries assignment below include disorders in the bipolar and related disorder, depressive
disorders, and anxiety disorder categories. “All of the following information was taken from the
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5 Edition (American Psychiatric Association, 2013) unless
th
otherwise noted.”
Bipolar and Related Disorders
Overview
In the bipolar and related disorders, all the disorders are characterized by manic and
depressive symptoms. Although there are similarities across the disorders in the bipolar and
related disorders category, there are characteristics that distinguish them from each other.
Disorders
Bipolar I Disorder
Bipolar I is characterized by severe highs and lows, with the highs being experienced
mania and the lows being depressive episodes. The key feature of Bipolar I disorder that
distinguishes it from the rest of the disorders in the category is the more severe manic episodes.
Bipolar II Disorder
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Bipolar II is characterized by major depressive episodes without a history of mania. The
main feature of Bipolar II disorder that distinguishes it from the rest of the disorders in the
category is the debilitating depression than can affect different aspects of the individual’s social
life.
Cyclothymic Disorder
Cyclothymic disorder is a disorder that affects an individual’s mood, where they
experience highs, lows, and periods of stability. The main feature of Cyclothymic disorder that
distinguishes it from the rest of the disorders in the category is that it’s symptoms are not as
severe, and the timeframe must be at least 2 years versus over the lifespan.
Substance/Medication-induced bipolar and related disorder
Substance/Medication-induced bipolar and related disorders are disorders that are
provoked by the use of, or withdrawal from, substances that leads to manic and depressive
symptoms. The main feature of Substance/Medication-induced bipolar and related disorders that
distinguishes it from the rest of the disorders in the category is that it induced by a substance
related interaction.
Bipolar and related disorder due to another medical condition
The main feature of bipolar and related disorder due to another medical condition that
distinguishes it from the rest of the disorders in the category is that is preceded by another
medical condition, within the time frame of the onset of the other condition.
Other specified bipolar and related disorder
Other specified bipolar and related disorders is diagnosed when a clinician notes specific
reasoning for the bipolar symptoms. One of the key feature of other specified bipolar and related
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disorder that distinguishes it from the rest of the disorders in the category is the fact that the
symptoms only last for a few days.
Unspecified bipolar and related disorder
The diagnosis of unspecified bipolar and related disorders is diagnosed when an
individual presents with characteristics of bipolar disorder and noteworthy impairments, but the
clinician does not specify the cause. Unlike the other disorders, there is a lack of information and
no history to inform the clinician to make a diagnosis.
Risk and Prognostic Factors
Risks and prognostic factors of Bipolar I disorder include environmental, genetic and
physiological, cultural, sex and gender-related issues. An environmental risks of bipolar disorder
is increased when the child experiences trauma. Bipolar disorder can also be inherited
genetically. It is important to note the cultural implications regarding prognosis. It is not
uncommon for African Americans and other people of color to either be misdiagnosed, or
diagnosed too late.
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Depressive Disorders
Overview
In the Depressive disorders, all the disorders are characterized by feelings of emptiness
and sadness. As aforementioned, the disorders in the depressive disorders category have a
common thread, however there are also key features that distinguish them from one another.
Disorders
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder is a newer diagnosis that is present in children up
to the age of 12 years-old. This diagnosis was implemented to lessen the occurrence of children
being misdiagnosed as bipolar. The main feature of disruptive mood dysregulation disorder that
distinguishes it from the rest of the disorders in the category is that it presents as frequent
irritability and uncontrollable behavior.
Major depressive disorder
Major depressive disorder is a mood disorder that affects how an individual experiences
life on a daily basis. It is characterized by feelings of sadness, lack of interest, changes in
cognition and behaviors. The main feature of major depressive disorder that distinguishes it from
the rest of the disorders in the category is the length of time it lasts, which is a minimum of two
weeks.
Persistent Depressive Disorder
Persistent depressive disorder is a more severe type of depression. The main feature of
persistent depressive disorder that distinguishes it from the rest of the disorders in the category is
that it must last for two years without more than a two month break from symptoms.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
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Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is induced by the beginning of menses. The key feature
of premenstrual dysphoric disorder that distinguishes it from the rest of the disorders in the
category is that its occurrence is specific to menstruating women.
Substance/medication-induced depressive disorder
Substance/medication-induced depressive disorder is characterized by a depressed mood
induced by the use of a medication or substance. The main feature of substance/medication-
induced depressive disorder that distinguishes it from the rest of the disorders in the category is
the onset of the symptoms follows the use of a substance or medication.
Depressive disorder due to another medical condition
The main feature of depressive disorder due to another medical condition that
distinguishes it from the rest of the disorders in the category is the onset of the depressed mood is
thought to be caused by another medical condition.
Other specified depressive disorder
In this disorder the clinician that is diagnosing the individual states specifically why the
disorder does not fulfill another depressive disorder, whether it be time frame, symptoms or other
criteria that fulfills another diagnosis.
Unspecified depressive disorder
Individuals diagnosed with unspecified depressive disorder present symptoms of
depression but do not meet the criteria for another diagnosis. The main feature of unspecified
depressive disorder that distinguishes it from the rest of the disorders in this category is the lack
of information to be able to make a specific diagnosis.
Unspecified mood disorder
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Unspecified mood disorder is diagnosed when the presenting symptoms do not fulfill the
criteria for other mood disorders. A key feature of this disorder is that it lies between unspecified
depressive disorder and unspecified bipolar disorder.
Risk and Prognostic Factors
Persistent depressive disorder can be present in children and adults. This type of
depressive disorder have temperamental and environmental risk factors. In regards to
temperamental risk factors include negative feelings impacting the outcome of the individuals
long-term experience. Environmental risk factors includes hardships experienced in childhood. A
noteworthy prognostic factor in persistent depressive disorder is the likelihood of a suicidal
outcome. Lastly, there is a cultural implication to diagnostic issues. While some cultures see
depressive symptoms as a deviation from social normality, other cultures may embrace them as a
normal consequence of hardships.
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Anxiety Disorders
Overview
In the Anxiety disorders, all the disorders in this category are characterized by the
overwhelming persistent feelings of fear and anxiousness. Like the bipolar and depressive
disorders, anxiety disorders have both similar and distinct characteristics between them. The
following summaries of each of the anxiety disorders will highlight the feature that distinguishes
them from the others. One of the key distinguishing factors in what separates the anxiety
disorders is what stimulates the onset of symptoms or behaviors.
Disorders
Separation anxiety disorder
Separation anxiety disorder is characterized by an individual fearing being separated
from their attachment figure as well the possibility something happening to that attachment
figure in their absence. The main feature of separation anxiety disorder that distinguishes it from
the rest of the disorders in the category is the notion that the individual experiencing this anxiety
is also a protective figure than can keep bad things from happening to others. It is noted that
separation anxiety is more likely to occur in middle and upper-class families.
Selective mutism
Selective mutism is characterized by an individual almost losing the inability to speak in
certain social environments. The feature of selective mutism that distinguishes it from the rest of
the disorders in this category is that the symptoms occur where the expectation of
communication is highest.
Specific phobia
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Individuals with specific phobias experience fear and anxiety that is excessive in
comparison to the improbable risk factor. An example of this would be someone with a phobia of
pictures of lizards. The main feature of specific phobia that distinguishes it from the other
disorders in the category is the lack of reasoning for the reaction.
Social anxiety disorder
Social anxiety disorder is experienced when an individual fears, or avoids, situations in
which they may be judged by others. The main characteristic of social anxiety disorder that
distinguishes it from the rest of the disorders in the category is the focus on judgement about
themselves. People who battle social anxiety disorder is extremely self-conscious.
Panic disorder
Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder that presents as recurring panic attacks. These
attacks change the way the individual experiencing these attacks behave and creates avoidance to
situations based on the possibility of a panic attack occurring. The main feature of panic disorder
episodes of panic attacks. Panic attacks occur in other types of anxiety, however in panic
disorder panic the occurrence of panic attacks can be unpredictable and unprovoked.
Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia is the fear of places that makes the individual feel trapped. Key features of
agoraphobia that distinguishes it from the rest of the anxiety disorders is the requirement the
feeling of an inability to escape a situation and the need for a companion in these situations. To
be diagnosed with agoraphobia two or more symptoms must be present.
Generalized anxiety disorder
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Generalized anxiety disorder is the excessive worry about situations that occur on a daily
basis. A key feature of generalized anxiety disorder that distinguishes it from the rest of the
disorders in the category is the worry about things that they may not be able to control.
Substance/medication-induced anxiety disorder
Substance/medication induced anxiety disorder is anxiety that occurs following
intoxication of, or withdrawal from, a medication or substance. One of the main features of
substance/medication-induced anxiety disorder that distinguishes it from the rest of the disorders
in the category is that is induced by substances or medication.
Anxiety disorder due to another medical condition
In Anxiety disorder due to another medical condition, individuals experience anxiety as a
reaction to another medical condition. The main feature of anxiety disorder due to another
medical condition that distinguishes it from the rest of the disorders in the category is that it is
induced by an existing medical condition.
Other specified anxiety disorder
Other specified anxiety disorder applies in situations where the symptoms do not meet
the criteria for a diagnosis of other anxiety disorder, but the symptoms cause distress. The main
feature of any other specified anxiety disorder that distinguishes it from the rest of the disorders
in the category is the generalized anxiety is less often.
Risk and Prognostic Factors
Separation anxiety disorder can be experienced by both children and adults. This type of
disorder typically follows a stressful or traumatic life event. Separation anxiety include
environmental, genetic, and physiological risk factors. Examples of environmental risk factors
include loss, trauma, bullying, and other stress inducing. Separation anxiety can also be can be
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inherited. There are also some cultural differences related to the age in which children deal with
separation anxiety. Therefore, culture must be taken into consideration when formulating a
diagnosis of separation anxiety and the severity of it.
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References
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental
disorders: DSM-5 TR (5th ed. Text Revision). American Psychiatric Press, Inc.
