Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)

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.

Mental Disorder:

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.