What is the DSM-IV?
Q: What is the DSM-IV?
A: The DSM-IV is the fourth version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA).
Q: How are the different versions of the DSM numbered?
A: The earlier versions of the DSM were numbered using Roman numerals (e.g. DSM-I, II, III), while later editions adopted Arabic numerals allowing subsequent editions to be numbered 5.1, 5.2 and so on.
Q: What does TR stand for in relation to the DSM-IV?
A: TR stands for "Text Revision" and refers to changes made to descriptions in the manual after it was first published - making it officially called "the DSM-IV-TR".
Q: What information does each condition listed in the DSM include?
A: Each condition listed in the DSM includes its name and code (made up of numbers or a combination of numbers and letters), symptoms, diagnostic criteria, differential diagnosis and diagnostic considerations such as who is more or less likely to get that condition or what causes it.
Q: How have conditions listed in previous DSMs changed over time?
A: In each new version of the DSM, conditions accepted as mental illnesses since last version was published are added while those no longer thought of as mental illnesses are taken out. Additionally, descriptions may also change for certain conditions.
Q: Was homosexuality ever listed as a mental illness in any edition of DSMs?
A: Yes, homosexuality was previously listed as a mental illness but has since been removed from all editions of DSMs.
