The DSM-5 – Increased Costs For Employers?

The DSM-5 has arrived.  Despite what employers and disability providers may think about the changes, there is no choice but to deal with this revised and authoritative text on mental disorders.

Why should employers care about the DSM-5?

DSM-5 stands for the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders".  The DSM-5 is the leading text on mental disorders for medical professionals (and insurers like the WSIB).  To the extent that an employee's medical condition "fits" within the DSM-5, such condition is likely to be found a disability and therefore entitle that employee to disability benefits (e.g. through insurance, WSIB, or employer plans), the protections of human rights legislation and to be accommodated in the workplace.  Notably, the DSM-5 recognizes new mental disorders, and changes the criteria for some existing disorders.  As our colleagues in B.C. point out, there are new disorders such as Caffeine Withdrawal, Cannabis Withdrawal,