DSM III

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition (DSM-III) is a publication by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) that was released in 1980. It is the third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders series, which is used by clinicians and researchers to diagnose and classify mental disorders.

Development and History

The development of the DSM-III was a significant milestone in the field of psychiatry. It was spearheaded by Dr. Robert Spitzer, who led a task force to create a more scientifically rigorous and empirically based classification system. The DSM-III introduced several major changes compared to its predecessors, including a multi-axial system and a descriptive approach to diagnosis.

Multi-Axial System

The DSM-III introduced a multi-axial system for the first time, which allowed clinicians to assess patients on five different axes:

• Axis I: Clinical disorders, including major mental disorders, as well as developmental and learning disorders.
• Axis II: Personality disorders and mental retardation.
• Axis III: General medical conditions that are potentially relevant to understanding or managing the individual's mental disorder.
• Axis IV: Psychosocial and environmental factors contributing to the disorder.
• Axis V: Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale, which rates the individual's overall level of functioning.

Descriptive Approach

The DSM-III adopted a descriptive approach to diagnosis, focusing on observable symptoms and behaviors rather than underlying causes. This was a shift from the psychodynamic approach that characterized earlier editions, which often relied on theoretical constructs.

Impact and Criticism

The DSM-III was widely adopted and had a profound impact on the practice of psychiatry. It provided a common language for clinicians and researchers, facilitating communication and research. However, it also faced criticism for its emphasis on categorization and its potential to pathologize normal behavior.

Critics argued that the DSM-III's reliance on symptom checklists could lead to over-diagnosis and the medicalization of normal variations in behavior. Additionally, some mental health professionals were concerned about the influence of the pharmaceutical industry on the diagnostic criteria.

Revisions and Successors

The DSM-III was followed by the DSM-III-R in 1987, which made several revisions to the diagnostic criteria. Subsequent editions, including the DSM-IV and DSM-5, have continued to evolve the classification system, incorporating new research findings and addressing criticisms of earlier editions.

Also see

• DSM-II
• DSM-IV
• DSM-5
• ICD-10
• Robert Spitzer
• American Psychiatric Association