Describing relationship problems in DSM-V: toward better guidance for research and clinical practice

Abstract

The authors provide a description of the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV; American Psychiatric Association, 1994) and its limitations, as well as empirical connections between relational processes and mental health. Four types of relational processes are identified, with each type clearly distinguished in terms of its pattern of association with psychopathology. For illustrative purposes, examples are provided along with suggestions of how each might be accommodated in the DSM-V. In view of the importance and complexity of the connections between relational processes and mental health, the authors argue that reliable and standardized assessments of relational processes are needed and suggest 6 possible approaches for providing better coverage of relational processes and relational disorders in the DSM-V. The article concludes with a discussion of potential concerns about expansion of attention to relational processes in the DSM-V.