Imagine a 16-year-old girl sitting in her room, overwhelmed by her own emotions. She was once outgoing and involved in high school sports and clubs, but now she finds herself wanting to just be alone. She carries around thoughts in her head that confuse and exhaust her, feeling like she can’t connect with her family or friends.

One of the primary changes in DSM-5 is that it now recognizes age-related aspects in each disorder and chronologically lists diagnoses that are most applicable to infancy and childhood first, followed by diagnoses that are more common to adolescence and early adulthood, and ending with those that are often diagnosed later in life. Within each disorder category, there are also modifications intended to help clinicians provide more accurate diagnoses that will lead to better treatment.

Dr. Jerry Halverson discusses FOCUS, Rogers’ new residential program for young adults with depression and other mood disorders.