Which framework is commonly used for assessing mental health disorders?

The DSM-5, or the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, is widely recognized as the primary framework for assessing and diagnosing mental health disorders. It provides a comprehensive classification system and detailed criteria for a wide range of mental health conditions, making it an essential tool for mental health professionals in clinical settings. The DSM-5 includes specific diagnostic criteria, prevalence data, and cultural considerations that help practitioners accurately identify disorders and determine appropriate interventions. This structured approach assists in standardizing diagnoses across different practitioners and settings, ensuring a common language for mental health treatment.

In contrast, while the ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision) also includes mental health disorders, it is more focused on a global health perspective and includes a broader range of health-related issues, not solely mental health. The APA guidelines serve as ethical and practice directives for professionals but are not specifically focused on classification or assessment of mental health disorders. The ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health) addresses health and disability from a functional perspective but does not serve as a diagnostic tool for mental health disorders specifically.