ABSTRACT
This chapter shows the American Psychiatric Association's (APA) strategies with regard to transparency and inclusion in the processes of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) production, particularly with regard to patients, can only be understood when it is recognised that it is responding to conflicting goals. The APA has found it comparatively easy to include other mental health professionals, and professionals from other countries, in the committees responsible for revising the DSM. The mechanisms employed by the APA in managing the debates about the DSM suggest that it is not yet fully committed to involving patients in revising the DSM. Many within the APA genuinely desire greater patient involvement, and external political pressure for patient involvement is likely to increase. Patient-researchers have a valuable role to play in revising the DSM because their background and interests will make it more likely that they will spot mistakes that can be missed by committees made up of clinicians and researchers.
