The DSM IV axis or Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, is a publication which is used for diagnostic reference. There are multiple categories which define various mental illnesses according to various criteria. It has been updated multiple times and continues to be revised whenever necessary, due to all of the growing discovering and omissions in the world of mental disease and illness. Sometimes there are updates in the codes themselves, simply to ensure that the guide stays as consistent as possible.
This guide is also used to classify mental disorders and is used as the standard for doing so. A wide variety of people across the country use this guide for multiple purposes. Such people include lawyers, mental health workers, and insurance companies. Most people consider this to be a reliable and comprehensive guide to all of the officially defined mental disorders that exist. The DSM IV Axis is a revision of the previous guide, including some new information that can be used for reference purposes when attempting to make an official diagnosis. It is useful for many different people who need it to help others and make new law.
It defines specifically psychosocial and environmentally-related problems that certain people are affected by. Since the year 1952 there have been 5 different revisions to include or omit information that is deemed either significant or inaccurate accordingly. This guide remains one of the most trustworthy resources for health care workers and law makers whose responsibility it is to ensure the safety and health of the general public.