
Authority
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) was developed and is maintained by the American Psychiatric Association.
Purpose
DSM-IV provides a standardized classification system for the diagnosis of mental health disorders for both children and adults.
Description
DSM-IV disorder and condition terms are organized into 18 classes, and most terms are linked to International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes. For more information about ICD-9-CM, see the ICD-9-CM source synopsis.
DSM-IV uses a five-axis model for the development of treatment options and prognoses. The axes are:
- Clinical Disorders/Other Conditions That May Be a Focus of Clinical Attention
- Personality Disorders/Mental Retardation
- General Medical Conditions
- Psychosocial and Environmental Problems
- Global Assessment of Functioning
Audience
DSM-IV is used by clinicians, therapists, nurses, social workers, researchers, and others involved in the field of mental health.
Update Frequency
DSM-IV was last updated in 2000.
Metathesaurus Update Frequency
DSM-IV was last updated in the Metathesaurus in 1995.
Sites Consulted
- American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-IV [Internet]. 4th ed. Washington (DC): American Psychiatric Association; 1994 [cited 2010 Mar 8]. 866 p. Available from:
RELATED VIDEO
![[PDF Download] Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental](/img/video/pdf_download_diagnostic_and_statistical_manual.jpg)

