Desk Reference to the Diagnostic Criteria from DSM-5®

About the Book

Desk Reference to the Diagnostic Criteria from DSM-5® is a specialised clinical reference published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), designed to provide convenient access to the diagnostic criteria used in the classification and assessment of mental disorders. It serves as a practical companion to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), presenting essential diagnostic information in a concise and organised format.

The book covers a broad range of psychiatric and psychological disorders, including neurodevelopmental disorders, schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders, bipolar and related disorders, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, trauma- and stressor-related disorders, personality disorders, and other recognised mental health conditions.

Its structured presentation helps readers locate diagnostic criteria, review essential classification information, and develop a clearer understanding of the requirements associated with different mental health diagnoses. By bringing important diagnostic information together in an accessible reference, the book supports clinical learning, professional consultation, and academic study.

This desk reference is particularly useful for psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, psychiatric nurses, social workers, counsellors, researchers, and students pursuing education in mental health and behavioural sciences. It provides a convenient resource for understanding DSM-5 diagnostic standards and supporting informed clinical assessment and professional practice.

As a companion publication to the full DSM-5 manual, this book is intended to make essential diagnostic criteria easier to access and consult when studying or working with mental health conditions.

About the Author

American Psychiatric Association (APA) is one of the leading professional organisations representing psychiatrists and advancing the field of mental health. Founded in 1844, the association is dedicated to promoting high-quality psychiatric care, supporting scientific research, improving mental health services, and advancing the understanding and treatment of mental disorders.

The APA brings together psychiatrists, researchers, educators, and other mental health professionals to encourage excellence in clinical practice, professional education, and psychiatric research. It develops clinical resources, professional guidelines, educational materials, and publications that support the diagnosis, classification, and treatment of mental health conditions.

The organisation is internationally recognised for publishing the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), one of the most widely used references for psychiatric classification and diagnosis. Through its publications and professional initiatives, the American Psychiatric Association continues to support mental health professionals in delivering informed, effective, and evidence-based care.

As the author and publisher of Desk Reference to the Diagnostic Criteria from DSM-5, the APA provides clinicians, researchers, educators, and students with an accessible reference to the diagnostic criteria established in the fifth edition of the DSM.