Errata

DSM IV Explained

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition™ (DSM IV) is the manual physicians, psychiatrist, psychologists, therapists, and social workers use in order to diagnose mental illness. This manual spells out the specific diagnostic criteria. An example of this can be seen in the diagnosis of a major depressive episode. A person must exhibit at least five or more of the listed nine characteristics and the symptoms must be evident for at least the last two weeks for that person to be diagnosed with this disorder. When diagnosing a client the American Psychological Association recommends that the clinician use a multiaxial Assessment System.