New Desk Reference for the Diagnostic Criteria from DSM-5 just published

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) was published in May,  2013. The current edition of the DSM has long been the standard classification of mental disorders used by mental health professionals in the United States.

The American Psychiatric Association’s newly published  Desk Reference for the Diagnostic Criteria from DSM-5, in its 443 pages, is designed to be a concise companion in paperback format to supplement DSM-5, containing descriptions of the fully revised diagnostic classifications, together with their diagnostic criteria.

Frequent references to current editions of the DSM are made in Massachusetts cases, statutes and the Code of Massachusetts Regulations. That said, the law recognizes that mental health professionals should be our guide in interpreting the DSM, not lawyers, judges, or lay people. "Judicial notice of the DSM-IV is approached with caution. [ Tartarini v. Dept. of Mental Retardation , 82 Mass. App. Ct. 217 ] ‘The DSM-IV itself cautions against the use of its diagnostic criteria and descriptions by individuals who are not clinically trained or for purposes other than diagnosis.’  Doe, Sex Offender Registry Bd. No. 89230v. Sex Offender Registry Bd., 452Mass 764, 776 & n.20 (2008)."