Psychopathology - Diagnostic and Statistical Manual

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual

The DSM, or Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental disorders, is an official guideline for the diagnosis of psychological disorders. Clinicians, researchers and psychologists use this manual as a reference guide to diagnose psychological disorders.

For a diagnosis to be made, 2 levels of criteria within the DSM must be met. First, the disordered behaviour must originate within the person, and it must not be a reaction due to external factors. Second, the disorder must be involuntary, meaning that the individual cannot physically or mentally control their symptoms.

Examples of Disorders classified within the DSM include:

• Major Depressive Disorder is a mood disorder defined by symptoms of loss of motivation, decreased mood, lack of energy and thoughts of suicide.
• Bipolar Disorders are mood disorders characterized by depressive and manic episodes of varying lengths and degrees.
• Dysthymia is a mood disorder similar to depression. Characterized by a persistent low mood, Dysthymia is a less debilitating form of depression with no break in ordinary functioning.

The current version, the DSM-IV TR, uses a multiaxial system of classification, which requires the individual to be placed on 5 separate axes which describe possible mental health factors. Most disorders are recorded on axis I, which are state dependent. Axis II describes disorders that are trait dependent. Axis III describes current physical conditions, Axis IV describes psychosocial or environmental stressors, and lastly, Axis V is used to discuss the individuals global assessment of functioning.

• Axis I: Most psychological disorders
• Axis II: Personality disorders and mental retardation
• Axis III: General medical condition
• Axis IV: Psychosocial and environmental stressors
• Axis V: Global assessment of functioning

A major update to these axial classifications is due in the DSM-5 in early 2013.