What is the DSM?
Updated September 03, 2013.
Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Board.
Definition:
The DSM is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, a standard reference text book used to assist physicians, psychologists and other mental health clinicians in diagnosing mental health problems.
The DSM is widely recognized as the most established way of diagnosing mental disorders, as it is based on amalgamating research and clinical practice.
Each disorder included in the DSM has a numerical code attached to it.
This is typically used as a kind of medical shorthand to identify a particular disorder without using the full title. It is often used by insurance companies in deciding which conditions are eligible for medical coverage.
Pronunciation: D-S-M
Also Known As: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM-IV
Examples: John was given a DSM diagnosis of polysubstance dependence on axis I, antisocial personality disorder on axis II, brain injury on axis III, relationship problem on axis IV, and a GAF of 45 on axis V.
Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Board.
Definition:
The DSM is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, a standard reference text book used to assist physicians, psychologists and other mental health clinicians in diagnosing mental health problems.
The DSM is widely recognized as the most established way of diagnosing mental disorders, as it is based on amalgamating research and clinical practice.
DSM Codes
Each disorder included in the DSM has a numerical code attached to it.
This is typically used as a kind of medical shorthand to identify a particular disorder without using the full title. It is often used by insurance companies in deciding which conditions are eligible for medical coverage.
Pronunciation: D-S-M
Also Known As: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM-IV
Examples: John was given a DSM diagnosis of polysubstance dependence on axis I, antisocial personality disorder on axis II, brain injury on axis III, relationship problem on axis IV, and a GAF of 45 on axis V.
