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Diagnosis is a requirement in many instances to obtain medications and services. Professionals diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorder based on criteria listed in the American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). The diagnosis is then translated into the required International Statistical Classification of Diseases and
Related Health Problems, tenth revision (ICD-10) code. This code is needed for reimbursement and reporting.
There are significant changes in the structure and labels within the DSM-5. It appears that the newly defined Autism Spectrum Disorder is much more narrow and specific. For some individuals a diagnosis of Language Disorder or Social (Pragmatic) Language Disorder may more closely describe the characteristics of an individual.
Please consult these publications for specific criteria and pertinent information.
DSM-5: Autism Spectrum Disorder
DSM-5: Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder
DSM-5: Language Disorder
DSM-5: Selective Mutism
DSM-5: Social Anxiety Disorder
DSM-5: General Anxiety Disorder
DSM-5: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
DSM-5: ADHD
DSM-5: Reactive Attachment Disorder
ICD-10
DSM-5: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder 300.3
These behaviors are usually observed in an individual with this diagnosis. Behaviors may occur in varying degrees and often with unique aspects characteristic of the individual.
Obsessions:
- This person may repeatedly experience ideas, desires, or images that are interfering and undesireable. These experiences may be distressful and anxiety producing.
- This person may try to ignore these intrusions or use competing thoughts and compulsive actions to overcome the unwanted obsessions.
Compulsions:
- This person may perform repeated actions either mental or physical. The person may feel obligated to complete the actions to mitigate certain obsessions or to rigidly apply rules.
- This person may attempt repeated actions when feeling anxious and distressed. This person may be attempting to avoid some unwanted happening. These repeated actions may actually not be related to the event this person wished to mitigate or avoid. These repeated actions may also appear to be excessive.
Differential Diagnosis:
- Other disorders to consider are Anxiety Disorders, Major Depressive Disorder, other Obsessive-Compulsive and related disorders, Eating Disorders, tics and stereotyped movements, Psychotic Disorders, and Obessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder.
The American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5):
- Please consult this publication for additional information regarding specific criteria for this diagnosis, severity specifications, differential diagnosis, comorbidity, and other pertinent aspects of the disorder.
ICD-10 code: F42.0 Obsessive-compulsive disorder
