Summary

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) is a comprehensive guide to the classification and diagnosis of mental disorders, designed for use by clinicians and researchers. It provides clear descriptions of diagnostic categories, utilizing specific criteria to enhance agreement and communication among professionals. DSM-IV-TR emphasizes a descriptive approach, aiming for theoretical neutrality while incorporating evolving knowledge in the field of mental health.

The manual employs a multiaxial system to provide a holistic assessment, considering clinical disorders, personality disorders, general medical conditions, psychosocial and environmental problems, and an overall assessment of functioning. Diagnostic criteria sets are included for each disorder, outlining specific symptomatic and behavioral thresholds that must be met for a diagnosis. These criteria are designed to facilitate accurate diagnosis, while acknowledging the heterogeneity of clinical presentations.

Key areas covered include disorders typically first diagnosed in infancy, childhood, or adolescence, such as Mental Retardation, Learning Disorders, and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. It also provides extensive information on disorders frequently encountered in adults, including mood disorders like Major Depressive Disorder and Bipolar I Disorder, anxiety disorders like Panic Disorder and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, as well as Somatoform Disorders, Factitious Disorders, Dissociative Disorders, Sexual and Gender Identity Disorders, Eating Disorders, and Sleep Disorders.

The text revision incorporates an awareness of cultural and ethnic variations in the expression and understanding of mental disorders, encouraging clinicians to consider the individual's cultural setting. It also addresses substance-related disorders, highlighting the diagnostic criteria for substance dependence, abuse, intoxication, and withdrawal, as well as medication-induced movement disorders, all critical for differential diagnosis and treatment planning. By emphasizing both diagnostic precision and a comprehensive assessment of various factors, DSM-IV-TR serves as an invaluable resource for mental health professionals in diverse clinical and research contexts.