DSM-IV and internalizing disorders: Modifications, limitations, and utility

The recent publication of DSM-IV evidences changes in the areas of child anxiety and, to a lesser degree, depressive disorders. A summary of the DSM-IV criteria for childhood anxiety and depressive disorders, as well as modifications in diagnostic criteria from DSM-III-R to DSM-IV are presented. A brief review of major research findings regarding anxiety and depression in children also is provided, and DSM-IV is evaluated in terms of its grounding in empirical research. The utility of DSM-IV for school psychology is discussed, including a delineation of essential criteria for diagnosis and the need to determine the functional impact of a disorder. Finally, potential limitations of DSM-IV are examined.