Can a Developmental Psychopathology Perspective Facilitate a Paradigm Shift toward a Mixed Categorical-Dimensional Classification System?

Maser et al. (2009) identify several problems with the categorical DSM, and suggest that a shift to a mixed categorical-dimensional system is warranted. Maser et al. support their argument by citing evidence related to mood and anxiety disorders, among other conditions. In this commentary, I consider the applicability of several issues raised by Maser et al. to two disruptive behavior disorders in youth, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and conduct disorder (CD). The issues include paradigm shifts concerning (a) the diagnostic threshold, (b) symptoms, and (c) distress/psychosocial impairment. Within each topic, several developmental psychopathology principles that parallel and extend the Maser et al. issues are presented and described. This commentary also provides examples of dimensions that could be useful for conceptualizing ODD and CD within a mixed categorical-dimensional classification system.