WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR THE UPCOMING REVISION OF THE DIAGNOSTIC STATISTIC MANUAL OF MENTAL DISORDERS. DO NOT READ IF YOU WISH TO AVOID SPOILERS.
Well, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual fans, the wait has been chronic, pervasive, and not better explained by another condition. It’s hard to believe that the smash hit DSM-5 was released over a decade ago. We’ve had fan theories, we’ve combed through all five volumes looking for foreshadowing, and we’ve had some…dysregulated debates. But now, several reputable (we hope!) sources have leaked MAJOR spoilers for the highly-anticipated DSM-6.
While there is still no release date (Seriously, get on that, writers), these breadcrumbs will hopefully satiate our appetite until the sixth installment of our favorite series comes out.
FINAL WARNING BEFORE SPOILERS!
1. AT LEAST ONE FAN FAVORITE DISORDER WILL BE RENAMED
Most fans saw this coming a mile away, but we finally have confirmation that AT LEAST one diagnosis will get a completely new name. What will it be? We can’t say for sure, but our money is on one of the trauma-related disorders.
2. AUTISM WILL BE MORE FLESHED OUT
The reveal that autism is actually part of a four-team ensemble called the ASD blew readers away in the DSM-5! In the upcoming entry, we will finally understand autism’s backstory, including it’s family lineage, childhood best friends, and defining character moments.
3. AT LEAST TWO DISORDERS WILL GET THE AXE
While we will be sad to see them go, some diagnoses will inevitably have to say goodbye. Sources have confirmed that at least two are on the chopping block. We hope that they have a noble send-off with completed character arcs.
4. TWO UNEXPECTED DISORDERS WILL FORM A COMORBIDITY
That’s all we are saying for now.
5. MULTIPLE DISORDERS WILL HAVE DIAGNOSTIC CODE REVEALS
No disorder is complete without a secret International Classification of Diseases (ICD) diagnostic code. This new entry will have several old (and new!) disorders given an official code.
6. POST-APPENDIX CHAPTER CONFIRMED
Blurry snapshots of the post-appendix chapter appeared on an anonymous mental health forum. As is typical for the DSM post-appendix chapters, it contained a hook for the next installment and the official title: “DSM-7”.
7. POTENTIAL “ICD X DSM” CROSSOVER TEASER
This is the most exciting news of all. For a long, long time, fans of both the ICD and the DSM will see their favorite diagnosis in the same story. We are still unsure whether they will exist in the same universe or whether both franchises will form a multiverse. Whichever it is, this entry will be considered canon.
this is fire 🔥🔥🔥 can’t wait