Ever wondered where DSM came from? Let’s dive into its origin and historical timeline, by exploring the key moments that shaped it into what it is today.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is a comprehensive guide utilized by healthcare professionals for the diagnosis and classification of mental disorders. Published by the American Psychiatric Association, it serves as a standard reference for psychiatric diagnoses.
The DSM’s historical foundations can be traced to the 19th century, when initial endeavours in the United States sought to systematically categorize mental health conditions. The 1840 census first recorded “Idiocy/insanity,” marking a move toward formal classification. Later, the American Psychiatric Association (originally the American Medico-Psychological Association) created a standardized nomenclature for mental health disorders.
View the presentation by clicking the picture link. It’s an interactive Prezi timeline by Nicole Brown, “History of the DSM and Concurrent Events”
I found this YouTube audiobook sample, that presents a comprehensive history of the DSM. You can click to view it below.
DSM: A History of Psychiatry’s Bible (50 min – sample)
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