There have been numerous changes in DSM 5 from DSM 4, some of them are:

1. Modification of artificial categorization

In DSM-4 the disorders were divided into 5 categories by using an axial system. These axis
were:
Axis 1- clinical disorders, Axis 2- personality disorders and mental retardation, Axis3- General
medical conditions, Axis 4- Psychosocial and environmental problems and Axis 5- Global
assessment of functioning
Hence to make the relationship between different disorders simpler these axis were no
longer in use and this categorization was simplified.
2. The autism spectrum
In DSM-5 four separate disorders which had similarities were unified under one heading of
autism spectrum disorder. Also removing Asperger’s, Childhood Disintegrative disorder, and
Pervasive development disorder from autism category.
3. Elimination of childhood bipolar disorder
Childhood bipolar disorder was removed from Dsm-5 due to the harmful over diagnosis and
over treatment and replacing it with Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder.
4. Reclassification of dementia
Dementia and category of memory/learning difficulties called Amnestic disorder was
subsumed into newer category of neurocognitive disorder in DSM-5.
5. Intellectual disability
Mental retardation was changed into the name ‘Intellectual Disability’ in DSM-5. The
diagnostic criteria have also been updated to focus on adaptive behavior rather than on the
IQ score of a person.
6. Revision of ADHD
The ADHD diagnosis was broadened in DSM-5 allowing for adult onset and relaxing the
strictness of the criteria. Given that adults have more impulse control and developed brain
than children, they can be more easily diagnosed if they have fewer signs and symptoms.
7. Increased detail on PTSD symptoms
Due to the war in Iraq an Afghanistan, many researchers have gained a great amount of
insight in last decade. Hence in DSM-5 includes increasing understanding. Adding nuance for
children with PTSD and describing 4 of its types
That are:
Arousal, avoidance, flashbacks and negative impact on thoughts pattern and mood.
8. Other than these, dsm 5 included