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Abnormal Psychology: DSM

What is the DSM?

DSM stands for “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” and is published by the American Psychiatric Association, the professional organization representing United States psychiatrists.  The DSM contains a listing of psychiatric disorders and their corresponding diagnostic codes.  Each disorder included in the manual is accompanied by a set of diagnostic criteria and text containing information about the disorder, such as associated features, prevalence, familial patterns, age-, culture- and gender-specific features, and differential diagnosis.  No information about treatment is included.   The DSM is used by mental health professionals from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds in a wide range of settings, including clinical, research, administrative, and educational.

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