This page will provide you with information about the diagnostic criteria for diagnosing various mental illnesses. This criteria is established by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Version IV-TR. This is the diagnostic standard used in North America. The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) is the European standard. There is serious debate about whether clinicians should even diagnose clients or not. Some clinicians refuse to diagnose, others insist it is necessary. One of the main purposes of diagnosing is for the purpose of insurance reimbursement.
It is important to note that no mental diagnosis can be made if symptoms might be attributable to substance abuse or medical complications. These must be ruled out.
Diagnoses are listed alphabetically by Axis:
Axis I Disorders:
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD)
Bipolar Disorder (previously called Manic Depressive Disorder)
Bipolar II Disorder
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Major Depression
Panic Disorder
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Schizoaffective Disorder
Schizophrenia
Social Anxiety Disorder
Axis II Disorders:
Personality Disorders
Personality Disorders are grouped into three clusters based on like symptomology.
Diagnostic Criteria for Personality Disorders in General
Cluster A (odd or eccentric disorders)
Paranoid Personality Disorder
Schizoid Personality Disorder
Schizotypal Personality Disorder
Cluster B (dramatic, emotional or erratic disorders, impulsive disorders)
Antisocial Personality Disorder
Borderline Personality Disorder
Histrionic Personality Disorder
Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Cluster C (anxious or fearful disorders)
Avoidant Personality Disorder
Dependent Personality Disorder
Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder