The DSM-III in Canada: A Survey

Abstract

A survey of the membership of the Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA) was completed for the Scientific Council to discover, first, the reaction of the members to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Third Edition (DSM-III) and second, the support given to the CPA Policy of not endorsing a particular classification system. A total of 26.3% responded. It was noted that 66.6% had studied the DSM-III in detail. Whereas the ICD-9 and DSM-II were the most used systems in the past (28.5% and 25.9% respectively), first choice systems for the future were DSM-III, 42.0% and ICD-9, 16.3%. Furthermore, the DSM-III was recommended to be used as the sole system to various associations, (Statistics Canada, Royal College, Medical Council of Canada and Postgraduate Programs) 45.9% to 51.4%, depending on which association (vs. 8.7% to 13.4% for the ICD-9). Of those responding to the question, 70.8% had a favourable impression of the DSM-III and a similar percentage wanted an ICD-10 which would incorporate features of the DSM-III. A survey of directors of postgraduate psychiatric training programs gave similar results. A total of 54.8% of the members supported changing the CPA “non-endorsement” policy. As well, 39.7% voted to maintain the policy and 5.5% did not respond. The survey provides information for the CPA in its consideration of policy about the use of classification systems. Should the policy be changed, and one system endorsed, the DSM-III receives the most support.