Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, referred to as the DSM, is considered the diagnostic bible for mental health professionals. The DSM has been continually revised for the past 60 years, and each revision has evoked conflict and debate as it is received and used by professionals, clients, and the public. Historically, the need for a classification of mental disorders has been seen as a need by the medical profession. Psychiatry has always sought a clear classification system of mental disorders. But until recently, there was little agreement on which disorders should be included and the optimal method for their organization.

The many classification systems that were developed have differed in their relative emphasis on different etiology and course as defining features. However, there ...