A Proposal for a Dimensional Classification System Based on the Shared Features of the DSM-IV Anxiety and Mood Disorders: Implications for Assessment and Treatment

摘要: A wealth of evidence attests to the extensive current and lifetime diagnostic comorbidity DSM-IV anxiety mood disorders. Research has shown that considerable cross-sectional covariation emotional disorders is accounted for by common higher-order dimensions such as neuroticism/behavioral inhibition (N/BI) low positive affect/behavioral activation. Longitudinal studies have indicated temporal these can be explained changes in N/BI some cases, initial levels are predictive course Moreover, marked phenotypal overlap disorder constructs a frequent source unreliability (e.g., shared features generalized disorders, situation specificity panic attacks specific phobia). Although dimensional approaches been considered method address drawbacks associated with extant prototypical nosology inadequate assessment individual differences severity), proposals do not reconcile key problems classification modest reliability high comorbidity. The paper considers an alternative approach emphasizes empirically supported over disorder-specific criteria sets. selection discussed along how methods could implemented promote more reliable valid diagnosis, prognosis, treatment planning. For instance, advantages this system context transdiagnostic protocols efficaciously applied variety targeting their features.