The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is a book used by medical professionals, insurance companies, and the court system to diagnose and define mental illnesses and disorders, including substance abuse and dependence. First published by the American Psychiatric Association in 1952 and revised periodically, the DSM is the most widely accepted reference work on the topic in the United States. The fourth edition of the DSM, known as the DSM-IV, was published in 1994, and a revision known as the DSM-IV-TR was published in 2000. The next full edition is expected to be published in 2006 or later.

See Also

Diagnosis of Drug and Alcohol Abuse: an Overview.