What is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)? The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is a publication by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) that serves as a standardized classification and diagnostic tool for mental disorders. It provides criteria and guidelines for the diagnosis and classification of various mental health conditions. The DSM is widely used by mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, and clinical social workers. It helps clinicians in making accurate and consistent diagnoses, facilitating communication among professionals, and promoting research and treatment development. The DSM has gone through multiple revisions since its initial publication in 1952, with the latest edition being the DSM-5, which was released in 2013. Each revision reflects advancements in scientific understanding, research findings, and clinical knowledge regarding mental disorders. The DSM-5 includes diagnostic criteria for a wide range of mental disorders, such as depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders, bipolar and related disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., autism spectrum disorder), personality disorders, and many more. It’s important to note that the DSM is a controversial publication, and its diagnostic criteria and categorizations have been subject to ongoing debate and critique. Critics argue that it may lead to overdiagnosis, pathologize normal human behavior, and have potential cultural biases. Nonetheless, it remains a widely used resource in the field of mental health.
Shervan K Shahhian
LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 