The American Psychiatric Association announced some of their proposed changes for the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, (DSM), to be published in 2013. The DSM is the official dictionary of mental disorders recognized by the American Psychiatric Association. Doctors use the DSM to diagnose patients, and insurance companies use it to decide on reimbursement, so it's incredibly important in the profession of psychiatry. Some of these changes are pretty significant. They include:

 

by guest blogger Carolyn Coker Ross, MD, MPH, author of The Binge Eating & Compulsive Overeating Workbook

Today, the American Psychiatric Association announced there is enough evidence to support adding Binge Eating Disorder (BED) to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual.

Why is this so important? The National Institutes of Mental Health estimates that 3.5% of women and 2% of men have BED. Binge eating disorder is more prevalent than anorexia or bulimia. Sixty percent of those with BED are female and forty percent are male, which is the largest category of eating disorders that affects men. Unlike bulimia, those with BED do not have compensatory mechanisms to offset their binging. They do not purge through self-induced vomiting, the use of laxatives, diuretics or through compulsive exercise. BED sufferers share the common co-occurrence of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and substance use disorders with bulimia sufferers. Those with BED are usually overweight or obese but not always.

Excerpt from Connecting Through Touch

Learning to touch with sensitivity is central to learning massage. Technique means nothing without quality of touch. What makes a "good" touch, as opposed to a "bad" one? You would probably agree that you want the person touching you to be present, calm, and centered and the touch to be sensitive and firm yet gentle and nurturing. You want to feel safe and not invaded, and most of all, you want a loving touch, especially from your partner. Now, let’s begin with an exercise in sensitivity practice.

Excerpt from The Introvert & Extrovert in Love

Look over the lists of innie and outie tendencies below. Which profile do you fit better? Which does your partner fit? Ask each other what you think about yourself and your partner. Discuss differing opinions. If you’re somewhere in the middle and can’t tell which way you lean, think about what you need most: innies need more quiet time and outies require more outside stimulation.

Kelly McGonigal, author of Yoga for Pain Relief is featured on Forbes' list of "20 Inspiring Women To Follow On Twitter".

Excerpt from Five Good Minutes® with the One You Love

Have you ever noticed how negative emotions such as anger and resentment can take up enormous space in your life? Well, move over hatred! Let's make room for more love. Take these next few minutes for an expansive love meditation.

Excerpt from Romantic Intelligence

Are you as smart in love as you are in life? Test your Romantic Intelligence.

A. Love at first sight happens:

1. All the time
2. Rarely
3. If you’re looking for it
4. Never

Excerpt from Stop Running From Love

"Distancing" is a big category. Distancers come in many shapes and sizes. They can be single or in long-term couple relationships, gay or straight, women or men, young or old. Here are a few brief glimpses of typical distancers: