The latest edition, commonly known as theDSM-5, was released by theAmerican Psychiatric Associationon May 18, 2013.
It replaced the DSM-IV, which had been in use since 1994.
Some disorders have been removed, while others have been modified or added.
Verywell / JR Bee
Self-Checks/At-Home Testing for Depression
Depression is a common mental health disorder.
Having this information on hand can help you broach the topic of depression.
The online questionnaires will ask you about your life and your feelings.
Some questionnaires will ask you to rate your responses to a statement on a numerical scale.
In some cases, a person may have symptoms of depression but not have a major depressive disorder.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
The symptoms must not be a result of substance abuse or another medical condition.
No significant changes were made to the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder with the introduction of the DSM-5.
The DSM-5 reminds clinicians to assess patients with depression for symptoms of mania and hypomania.
The age of onset must be before the age of 10.
The diagnosis was added to address concerns that bipolar disorder in children was being overdiagnosed.
PMDD is a more severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
In the DSM-5, PMDD appears in the depressive disorders section.
Bereavement Exclusion Removed
The DSM-5 removed what was known as the bereavement exclusion for major depressive episodes.
Additionally, it acknowledges that symptoms of bereavement may last much longer than two months.
In fact, losing a loved one can lead to depressive symptoms that last for years.
Clinicians also use screening tools, questionnaires, and other tests to assess someone for depression.
Overall, these changes reflect the desire to improve outcomes for people with mental health disorders.
A person needs a timely and accurate diagnosis, support, and access resources and treatment tomanage depressioneffectively.
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Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US);f2016 Jun.
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