How many diagnoses does the DSM-5 include?

The DSM-5, or Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, provides a comprehensive classification system that includes a total of 237 specific diagnoses. This number reflects the ongoing evolution of mental health understanding and categorization, capturing a wide range of disorders from mood and anxiety disorders to personality disorders and beyond. The manual aims to offer standardized criteria to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions, ensuring that mental health professionals have a common language and framework for identification.

The inclusion of 237 distinct diagnoses highlights the increasing complexity and recognition of various mental health issues, illustrating the meticulous effort by professionals in the field to recognize and categorize the myriad ways in which mental health can manifest. This also supports improved clinical practice and enhances the understanding of mental disorders.