DSM IV literally stands for the 4 th version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. It is published by the American Psychiatric Association and is the handbook most often used to diagnose mental disorders such as anxiety,depression and ADHD in the United States and internationally.

The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD) is a commonly used alternative. However, the ICD is less specific and includes all types of diseases, not just mental disorders.

Continually updated by a panel of experts, the DSM has actually undergone five revisions since it was first published in 1952 (II, III, III-R, IV, and IV-TR). The DSM IV-TR is the most recent version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, and it is intended for use by mental health professionals who have had clinical training and can appropriately use this resource.