The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Primary Care (DSM-PC), Child and Adolescent Version: What pediatric psychologists need to know

Abstract

Objective: To address the need for a comprehensive, developmentally appropriate method to facilitate primary care pediatricians' recognition, management, and referral of a wide spectrum of childrens' behavioral and developmental problems, as well as stressful situations. Methods: Use of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Primary Care (DSM-PC), Child and Adolescent Version can facilitate psychologists' abilities to conduct research concerning the prevalence of behavioral and developmental problems, describe collaborative practice in primary care, and train pediatricians to recognize and manage common behavioral and developmental problems. Conclusions: Strategies to enhance utilization of the DSM-PC include more widespread dissemination of information concerning the manual and its practical utility, promotion of reimbursement for its use, and documenting applications of the DSM-PC in teaching, practice, and research.