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Letters to the Editor
Published Online: 19 March 2010

Snow Job?

I commend Drs. David Kupfer and Darrel Regier as well as the task force for their work on the formulation of DSM-5 (Psychiatric News, March 5). As the draft is now open for comment, I would like to make a proposal. Given the impact of the recent huge snowfalls in certain parts of the country, the task force may wish to consider the merits of a new condition. Below are the recommended criteria.

Obsessive-Compulsive Shoveling Disorder

Presence of at least three of the following symptoms:
A. 
Compulsive shoveling of one's driveway, even if there is less than half an inch of snow.
B. 
Interruption of sleep frequently to peer out the window and estimate how much snow has accumulated.
C. 
Obsessive ruminations regarding the accumulation of snow with fear that it might impede one's ability to get in and out of the driveway.
D. 
Waking one's neighbors at 5:30 a.m. with the sound of a snow blower.
E. 
Schadenfreude (not to be confused with Sigmund) at the same neighbors who were unhappy with you at 5:30 a.m. when they couldn't get the Volvo out of their driveway due to packed snow turning to ice.
RONALD GLICK, M.D. Pittsburgh, Pa.

Footnote

Editor's note: By way of full disclosure, Dr. Glick notes that he owns shares of the Toro Snowblower Company.

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Published online: 19 March 2010
Published in print: March 19, 2010

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