DSM

Definition: Shorthand for the DSM-IV-TR, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision
Pronunciation: Said D-S-M, not as "diz-em." Long acronym is said D-S-M-4-T-R

The DSM is psychology's "bible." The fourth edition was published in 2000; the fifth is not expected until at least 2010.

What's in It

The DSM provides information on which symptoms have to be present for a diagnosis, how similar diagnoses differ from one another (differential diagnosis), how common the disorder is at any given time (prevalence), the progress or course of the disorder, and any familial patterns. In the back are diagnostic decision trees, information on disorders that are being considered for addition or removal, and a list of culture-bound syndromes.

Insurance Companies

Diagnostic codes from the DSM are required by insurance companies for reimbursement decisions. As a therapist you pretty much learn all the diagnoses, but I don't know many people who can produce codes without looking them up unless, of course, they specialize in a disorder and are diagnosing it all the time.

Uses

Seasonal Affective Disorder isn't a formal diagnosis in the DSM, but it is included as a specifier.
I need to check the DSM code for that disorder.

Or, one that you hear a lot:

Could I borrow your DSM? I can't find mine /or/ mine's falling apart!