What is the DSM-5 used for in social work?

The DSM-5, or the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, is primarily utilized within social work and other mental health professions for diagnosing mental health conditions. It serves as a comprehensive reference that outlines specific criteria for various mental disorders, enabling social workers and other clinicians to identify and classify these conditions reliably. This capability is essential in ensuring that clients receive appropriate treatment and interventions based on their diagnosed conditions.

By providing a standardized set of diagnostic criteria, the DSM-5 helps practitioners maintain consistency in diagnosis, which is crucial for effective treatment planning and service delivery. This aspect of the DSM-5 is particularly important in social work, where identifying mental health issues forms the basis for designing effective support systems and interventions for individuals.

In contrast to other functions mentioned, such as writing national policies, providing therapy techniques, or assessing social worker performance, the DSM-5 focuses explicitly on the diagnostic process. It does not dictate specific therapy practices or serve as a tool for performance evaluation, nor is it involved in the formulation of overarching mental health policies.