The American Psychiatric Association (APA) today announced the release of the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The manual’s publication marks an important milestone—revising the classifications and criteria of mental disorders for the first time since 1994 to reflect nearly two decades of scientific advances and clinical experience.
DSM-5 is the guidebook used by clinicians and researchers to diagnose and classify mental disorders in this country as well as around the world. The new edition is available first in print, with an electronic version to be offered later this year. Both versions, as well as supplementary publications from the DSM-5 Collection, can be ordered at www.psychiatry.org/dsm5.
“The changes to the manual will help clinicians more precisely identify mental disorders and improve diagnosis while maintaining the continuity of care,” said David J. Kupfer, MD, chair of the DSM-5 Task Force. “We expect these changes to help clinicians better serve patients and to deepen our understanding of these disorders based on new research.”