The DSM IV axis or Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders, is a publication which is used for diagnostic
reference. There are multiple categories which define various
mental illnesses according to various criteria. It has been
updated multiple times and continues to be revised whenever
necessary, due to all of the growing discovering and omissions
in the world of mental disease and illness. Sometimes there are
updates in the codes themselves, simply to ensure that the guide
stays as consistent as possible. This guide is also used to
classify mental disorders and is used as the standard for doing
so. A wide variety of people across the country use this guide
for multiple purposes. Such people include lawyers, mental
health workers, and insurance companies. Most people consider
this to be a reliable and comprehensive guide to all of the
officially defined mental disorders that exist. The DSM IV Axis
is a revision of the previous guide, including some new
information that can be used for reference