Do we need a novel framework for classifying psychopathology? A discussion paper

Clinical Psychology in Europe, vol. 5, pp. e11699

Abstract

Introduction: The ICD-11 and DSM-5 are the leading systems for the classification of mental disorders, and their relevance for clinical work and research, as well as their impact for policy making and legal questions, has increased considerably. In recent years, other frameworks have been proposed to supplement or even replace the ICD and the DSM, raising many questions regarding clinical utility, scientific relevance, and, at the core, how best to conceptualize mental disorders. Method: As examples of the new approaches that have emerged, here we introduce the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP), the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC), systems and network approaches, process-based approaches, as well as a new approach to the classification of personality disorders. Results and Discussion: We highlight main distinctions between these classification frameworks, largely related to different priorities and goals, and discuss areas of overlap and potential compatibility. Synergies among these systems may provide promising new avenues for research and clinical practice.

Authors 8

1. Winfried Rief

   Philipps University of Marburg

   Affiliation as printed

   Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy Group, Department of Psychology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany

2. Stefan G. Hofmann

   Philipps University of Marburg

   Affiliation as printed

   Translational Clinical Psychology Group, Department of Psychology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany

3. Max Berg

   Philipps University of Marburg

   Affiliation as printed

   Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy Group, Department of Psychology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany

4. Miriam K. Forbes

   Macquarie University

   Affiliation as printed

   School of Psychological Sciences, Australian Hearing Hub, Macquarie University Sydney, Sydney, Australia

5. Diego A. Pizzagalli

   Harvard University · McLean Hospital

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Psychiatry, Center for Depression, Anxiety and Stress Research & McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA, USA

6. Johannes Zimmermann

   University of Kassel

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Psychology, University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany

7. Eiko I. Fried Aachen Clinical Psychology Group Department of Psychology, Leiden University

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Clinical Psychology Group, Department of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands

8. Geoffrey M. Reed

   Columbia University

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA