Description

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) describes recognized mental disorders. It specifies symptoms and other criteria for clinicians to evaluate in order to decide on a diagnosis and organizes these diagnoses together into a classification system. DSM serves as a tool for defining and diagnosing mental disorders in a variety of settings, including clinics, private practice, schools, hospitals, courtrooms, and the insurance industry. Psychiatrists, psychologists, other mental health care professionals, other physicians, nurses, lawyers, and social workers use DSM as a clinical guide. The information on mental disorders in DSM consists of three major components: diagnostic classification, diagnostic criteria sets and descriptive text. Diagnostic Classification: The diagnostic classification is the official categorization of mental disorders recognized in DSM. Each diagnosis includes a code* which is typically used by individual providers, institutions, and agencies for billing and collecting data. Diagnostic Criteria: Each disorder in DSM includes a set of diagnostic criteria with symptoms for clinicians to evaluate. It also includes a list of other conditions to potentially rule out to qualify for a particular diagnosis. It is important to note that these criteria are meant to be evaluated by trained professionals. Descriptive Text: Descriptive text accompanies each DSM disorder. The descriptions include information on symptoms, associated features, prevalence, how the disorder develops and progresses, risk factors, culture-related diagnostic issues, impact on daily functioning, and more.

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