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Research ArticleSpecial Section

DSM-5 and Paraphilic Disorders

Michael B. First
Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Online June 2014, 42 (2) 191-201;
Michael B. First
Dr. First is Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, and Research Psychiatrist, Biometrics Department, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY.
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Abstract

Given that paraphilic disorders are diagnosed largely in forensic settings, virtually every significant change in the criteria has forensic implications. Several controversial changes were considered during the DSM-5 revision process, but most were ultimately not included in the published text. However, any changes that make it easier to assign a paraphilic disorder diagnosis to an individual must be considered with caution. Criterion A for paraphilic disorders has been changed to reduce one potential risk that could result in false-positive diagnoses (i.e., allowing evaluators to diagnose a paraphilic disorder based entirely on the presence of sexual acts). In contrast, many of the other changes including some of those in the text, make it easier to diagnose a specific paraphilia and thus increase the risk of false-positive diagnoses. Since the assignment of a paraphilic disorder diagnosis can result in adverse legal consequences, the actual forensic impact of the changes will depend on how the legal system incorporates these new definitions into statutes and case law.

Footnotes

  • Disclosures of financial or other potential conflicts of interest: None.

  • © 2014 American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law
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Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Online: 42 (2)
Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Online
Vol. 42, Issue 2
1 Jun 2014
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DSM-5 and Paraphilic Disorders
Michael B. First
Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Online Jun 2014, 42 (2) 191-201;

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DSM-5 and Paraphilic Disorders
Michael B. First
Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Online Jun 2014, 42 (2) 191-201;
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  • Article
    • Abstract
    • Name Change from Paraphilia to Paraphilic Disorder
    • Summary of Changes in the Paraphilic Disorders Criteria Sets
    • Changes in the Paraphilia Course Specifiers
    • Diagnosing Paraphilic Disorders in Nonforthcoming Individuals
    • Use of Other Specified Paraphilic Disorder and Unspecified Paraphilic Disorder
    • Unsuccessful Proposals to Include Additional Specific Paraphilic Disorders in DSM-5
    • Conclusion
    • Footnotes
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  • Introduction to the Special Section on Forensic Publishing: An Examination
  • Pursuing The Journal Mission
  • Peer Review to Ensure Quality in Forensic Mental Health Publication
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