DC: 0-3R
The Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood (DC:0-3) supports clinicians in diagnosing and treating mental health problems in the earliest years.
Originally published in 1994, ZERO TO THREE’s Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood (DC:0-3) was the first developmentally based system for diagnosing mental health and developmental disorders in infants and toddlers. Its diagnostic categories reflected the consensus of a multidisciplinary group of experts in early childhood development and mental health.
The revised DC:0-3 (DC:0-3R) drew on empirical research and clinical practice that occurred worldwide after 1994. DC:0-3R, published in 2005, extended DC:0-3 by incorporating empirical research and clinical practice. It supported clinicians in diagnosing and treating mental health problems in the earliest years. Specifically, DC:0-3R was designed to help mental health and other professionals:
- Recognize mental health and developmental challenges in young children,
- Understand how relationships and environmental factors contribute to mental health and developmental disorders,
- Use diagnostic criteria effectively for classification and intervention, and
- Work more effectively with parents and other professionals to develop effective treatment plans.
DC:0-3R Resources
-
Article
Diagnostic Classification Revision Task Force
The Diagnostic Classification Revision Task Force updated and revised the DC:0-3R—a 3-year process that began in March 2013. The updated manual, titled DC:0-5™, is now available.