Attenuated Psychosis Syndrome: Need for Debate on a New Disorder

This 'pro' statement of the controversial issue, defending the need for a new disorder classification of attenuated psychosis syndrome (APS), provides data supporting the clinical validity of this category and responds to the most frequently asserted criticisms. It provides arguments why APS is not pathologizing non-ill behaviors and is not stigmatizing for those affected but rather they merit clinical attention for what is already manifest. It also argues against the view that establishing the diagnostic category of APS results in an unreasoned excessive use of antipsychotic medications but rather encourages prevention and early intervention programs. Finally, bodies of research are presented which could contribute to further validating APS and provide the preconditions for moving this category from Section 3 to Section 2 of DSM-5.1.