Definition: An abbreviation for the 4th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. This book describes the symptoms for all mental disorders, as well as the criteria that must be met to receive a diagnosis of each disorder. The information in the book is the culmination of years of research by leading professionals in the field of psychology and psychiatry. The book is published by the American Psychiatric Association.
DSM-IV
By Matthew Tull, PhD, About.com
Updated: January 26, 2009
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