What controversy surrounds the DSM-5’s developmental process?

The controversy surrounding the DSM-5’s developmental process primarily relates to the perception that it has elements of secrecy. Critics have pointed out that the development involved a relatively closed process, which limited broader input from various stakeholders, including professionals outside the primary working groups. There were concerns about who was selected to participate in the revision and how decisions were made regarding the inclusion and exclusion of certain disorders. This perceived lack of transparency fueled skepticism about the motivations and influences behind some changes in the manual, leading to debates over the legitimacy and scientific rigor of the final classifications. The call for openness and involvement from a wider range of voices in the field is an ongoing dialogue in the mental health community, underscoring the importance of inclusivity and transparency in such influential works.