DSM-V is Available for Public Comments

February 2010

The proposed fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) is available for public review and comments from February 10 to April 20, 2010 at the following Web site: www.DSM5.org.  It is a revised draft of the standard of classification of mental disorders which will be released in its final version sometime in 2013.  It will replace the DSM-IV.

Clinical social workers use the DSM when diagnosing and treating children and adults who may have a mental illness. It is used in many different clinical settings including private practice, inpatient, partial hospitalization, and outpatient.

NASW encourages clinical social workers to review and make comments on the draft DSM-V.  It is a great opportunity for members to provide direct input into a work tool used frequently in a mental health environment.  Additional information about the DSM-V process is also available at www.DSM5.org.