Citing the DSM-5: A Comprehensive Guide
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) is a widely used reference guide for mental health professionals to diagnose and treat mental health conditions. Citing the DSM-5 is essential for academic and professional purposes to provide credibility and authenticity to research, academic papers, and clinical reports. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to cite the DSM-5 correctly.
Why Cite the DSM-5?
Citing the DSM-5 is crucial for several reasons:
- To provide credibility and authenticity to research, academic papers, and clinical reports
- To allow readers to verify the accuracy of information
- To demonstrate respect for intellectual property and original authors
- To facilitate further research and collaboration
DSM-5 Citation Style
The citation style for the DSM-5 varies depending on the citation format. The most commonly used citation styles are APA, MLA, and Chicago.

APA Style:
| Citation Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Book | Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). (2013). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing. |
| Chapter | First Author, A. A. (2013). Title of chapter. In Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., pp. 123-456). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing. |
MLA Style:
| Citation Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Book | Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed., American Psychiatric Publishing, 2013. |
| Chapter | First Author. "Title of Chapter." Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Ed. Second Author. 5th ed., American Psychiatric Publishing, 2013. 123-456. |
Chicago Style:
The Chicago citation style is used for notes-bibliography system and author-date system.
Notes-Bibliography System:
First citation: (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 2013, p. 123)
Subsequent citation: 123 (DSM-5, 2013)
Author-Date System:
First citation: (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 2013)
Subsequent citation: (DSM-5)
Citing Online Resources
Citing online resources requires the URL or DOI of the webpage or database. In APA style, use the following format:
DSM-5 Online. (2013). https://www.dsm5.org/. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
Citing the DSM-5 in a Table or Figure
When citing the DSM-5 in a table or figure, include the title of the manual, edition, and year of publication in the figure or table caption.
Common Citations
Some common citations used in the DSM-5 include:
- Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). (2013). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
- Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. (2013). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
Conclusion
Citing the DSM-5 is a crucial step in maintaining academic and professional integrity. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure that your citations are accurate and consistent. Remember to always verify the accuracy of the information and use the most up-to-date edition of the DSM-5.