The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is the primary reference used by psychiatrists and psychologists to classify and diagnose mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions. Published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), it defines what counts as a “disorder” in the eyes of medicine, insurance, and policy.
In Practice
Clinicians rely on DSM codes for treatment plans, billing, and research eligibility.
Because of this, its definitions carry enormous social power—often deciding whose experiences are considered valid or pathological.
In Critique
From a Biasology and HAIR standpoint, the DSM reflects the biases of its authors and era.
It has historically pathologized difference—classifying queerness, grief, and neurodivergence as disorders before cultural understanding evolved.
Even in its current edition (DSM-5-TR, 2022), it frames autism and ADHD in deficit-based terms rather than describing diverse cognitive architectures.
