The Psychopathology Refracted into Seven Modalities (PRiSM) instrument is supposed to bridge the divide between dimensional and categorical diagnoses, the creators defined.1 The 7 PRiSM domains of psychopathology might be analogized to the size of psychopathology now considerably included into the DSM-5. Utilizing distribution of indicators and signs among the many 7 PRiSM domains, clinicians can determine a probable analysis extra simply. The PRiSM instrument might then have the ability to level clinicians in the direction of a selected DSM analysis.
Extra Info on PRiSM
Learn extra in regards to the PRiSM instrument and its design by Dr Ruffalo and Dr Pies right here.
With many sufferers receiving a large number of diagnoses, which are sometimes clinically redundant or missing validity, sufferers might be confused and therapy plans might be more durable to implement, Ruffalo famous. PRiSM intends to prepare psychopathology into classes to seize the way it manifests in medical life. Clinicians can determine a central modality together with different contributing modalities, whereas nonetheless holding a transparent diagnostic heart. This software doesn’t intend to exchange the DSM, Ruffalo identified, however to enrich it by offering a extra clinically intuitive format.
Entry the PRiSM Instrument
The PRiSM Diagnostic Instrument is accessible for downoad right here.
Ruffalo and Pies said of their introduction of this software, “we imagine Psychiatric Occasions‘ readers are within the supreme scenario to assist “area take a look at” PRiSM. Along with Psychiatric Occasions—“the voice of psychiatry”—we invite you to leverage the PRiSM instrument in your medical observe or analysis, and to share your experiences, reflections, and outcomes. Entries can be reviewed and scored, and the profitable entry can be printed in Psychiatric Occasions and obtain a modest honorarium. The deadline for entries is January 31, 2026.”1
Full Contest Guidelines
See the complete writing contest guidelines right here.
Dr Ruffalo is an assistant professor of psychiatry on the College of Central Florida Faculty of Drugs in Orlando and adjunct assistant professor of psychiatry at Tufts College Faculty of Drugs in Boston, Massachusetts.
References
1. Pies R, Ruffalo M. Bridging the categorical-dimensional divide: exploring the PRiSM diagnostic instrument. Psychiatric Occasions. November 6, 2025. https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/bridging-the-categorical-dimensional-divide-exploring-the-prism-diagnostic-instrument