To be diagnosed according to DSM-5 (5th Edition Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), a number of criteria are required. These criteria can vary depending on which disorder is being discussed, but they usually include the following.
- Presence of symptoms specific: Individuals must show symptoms which are typical of a disorder. These symptoms have to cause clinically significant stress or impairments in important social, occupational and other areas of function.
- Duration of symptoms. The symptoms have to persist for an agreed period of time. Duration requirements vary depending on disorder but are usually at least a few weeks or even months.
- It is important to exclude other possible causes.
- If you have a clinically significant impairment, it must affect your social, occupational and other vital areas of functioning.
- Considerations of culture: The symptoms should not result from cultural, religious, or personal experiences, practices, or beliefs.
Note that only a mental health professional with the appropriate qualifications can diagnose a disorder after a complete evaluation. DSM-5 should only be used to guide a diagnosis and should not be relied upon as the basis.