PsychFormatica

PsychFormatica provides a simple medical procedures database including information about the latest DSM IV codes. PsychFormatica provides the description for each DSM IV and complete maping to its equivalent ICD 9 and ICD 10 codes. DSM stands for “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” and is published by the American Psychiatric Association, the professional membership organization representing United States psychiatrists. It is utilized by mental health professionals from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds for a wide range of purposes, including clinical, research, administrative, and educational. The DSM is a manual that contains a listing of psychiatric disorders and their corresponding diagnostic codes. Each disorder included in the manual is accompanied by a set of diagnostic criteria and text containing information about the disorder, such as associated features, prevalence, familial patterns, age, culture and gender specific features, and differential diagnosis. No information about treatment or presumed etiology is included. Diagnostic criteria have been included in the DSM because their provision has been shown to increase diagnostic agreement. It is important to understand that the appropriate use of the diagnostic criteria requires clinical training and that they cannot be simply applied in a cookbook fashion.The primary purpose of the DSM is to facilitate communication among mental health professionals. The diagnostic terms in the manual provide a convenient shorthand when communicating about patients.