Almost twenty years after the previous edition, it is natural that this edition of the DSM includes some innovations in classification, terminology, and, most importantly, in the groups of criteria. Moreover, the publishers' willingness to innovate is already evident from the title, where the numbering with Roman numerals is abandoned.

In the classification, the multiaxial assessment system ceases to exist, so Axis II of the previous edition is abolished without any substantial changes to the disorders that constituted it. Another significant change is the creation of three new sections with disorders that were previously included in the "Anxiety Disorders" section. The "Mood Disorders" section of DSM-IV is abolished and replaced by two new sections, bipolar and related disorders and depressive disorders. Also, the "Sexual Disorders" section is abolished, and sexual dysfunctions, gender dysphoria (formerly gender identity disorder), and paraphilic disorders (formerly paraphilias) are separated into three distinct sections. The new section on gender dysphoria and the choice of the new name indicate a change in the stance of the American Psychiatric Association, reminiscent of similar changes regarding homosexuality in the past.
In terminology, there are several significant innovations. One of these is the introduction of the term "disability" instead of the term "retardation." Henceforth, we will speak of intellectual disability rather than intellectual retardation. Also, the term "illness anxiety disorder" is chosen instead of the (Greek-origin) term "hypochondriasis."
After much thought, we decided in the Greek translation to replace the term "Pathological Gambling" with the term "Gambling Disorder" for two main reasons. First, because this particular disorder does not only concern card playing, and second, because the word "gambling" covers the entire spectrum of related behaviors and is already widely used by structures aimed at treating the disorder, such as Gamblers Anonymous.
Finally, I would like to thank all the employees at Litsas Medical Publications for their excellent cooperation and good disposition throughout all stages of preparing this edition.
Kostas Gotzamanis, Psychiatrist