How many conditions are in the DSM IV?
In 1994, DSM-IV was published, listing 297 disorders in 886 pages. There have been further revisions since that time, so more than 297. A psychiatrist would diagnose a condition by referring to the book and determining how many of the aspects match the condition in question. Many mental health professionals use this book to help communicate a patient’s diagnosis after an evaluation. Many hospitals, clinics, and insurance companies require a ‘five axis’ DSM diagnosis of the patients that are seen. The DSM can be consulted for the diagnostic criteria. It does not address the method of the evaluation or treatment. The DSM is less frequently used by health professionals who do not specialize in mental health. Note that diagnostic labels are primarily for use as a “convenient shorthand” among professionals.
