DIAGNOSTIC AND STATISTICAL MANUAL OF MENTAL DISORDERS (DSM):TO BE OR NOT TO BE

Abstract

Although the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is considered to be one of the best diagnostic guides of all times, there are some voices that question its practicality, functionality, and flexibility as well. Even if it has never claimed it to be perfect, it is only stated/portrayed as an organized guide or guidance for information. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is the most widely used and acknowledged, and as well as time honoured (with successive editions over 70 years) system for diagnosing mental disorders in the United States and all over the world. Since 1952, the first edition (DSM-I) and its successive time honoured editions over 70 years. This study is focussing on debates, issues and concerns related to DSM-5, which has had in effect since 2013.