What is the DSM?
Mental illness is more at the forefront of society than it used to be. With this increased visibility, people have started looking at psychiatric references as vital reading, especially if they have a family member who is mentally ill. One of the first books many people read is the DSM — the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. This is the official reference book for psychiatrists, psychologists, mental health counselors and therapists. The DSM categorizes and describes mental illnesses; presents diagnostic criteria, treatment options and prognoses; and details research findings. It is in the office of almost every mental health care professional. The DSM divides mental illness into five axes. Axis I covers clinical syndromes like schizophrenia ad depression. Axis II includes developmental and personality disorders such as autism, mental retardation, paranoia and antisocial personality disorders. Axis III deals with physical conditions, such as patients who suffer fro
