Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The DSM is a handbook used by healthcare professionals as the authoritative guide to the diagnosis of mental disorders. It contains descriptions, symptoms, and other criteria necessary for diagnosing mental health conditions.
Related terms
Diagnostic Criteria: These are specific signs, symptoms, behaviors or characteristics that must be present in order to diagnose a particular disorder according to the DSM.
A syndrome characterized by clinically significant disturbance in an individual's cognition, emotion regulation, or behavior that reflects a dysfunction in the psychological, biological, or developmental processes underlying mental functioning.
Psychopathology: The scientific study of mental disorders including efforts to understand their genetic, biological, psychological and social causes; effective classification schemes (nosology); course across all stages of development; manifestations; and treatment.
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