Mastering the DSM-5 APA citation format is essential for any mental health professional, student, or researcher writing a scholarly paper. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, serves as the primary classification system used to diagnose psychological conditions, and citing it correctly ensures academic integrity and clarity. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of the specific rules required by the 7th edition of the American Psychological Association style.
Understanding When to Cite the DSM-5
Before diving into the formatting mechanics, it is important to understand when a citation is actually necessary. If you are simply mentioning the name of the manual in text, such as stating that a client meets the criteria for Major Depressive Disorder, a full citation is not required. However, you must include a citation and reference list entry when you are quoting directly from the manual, paraphrasing specific criteria sets, or reproducing the diagnostic codes published within it.
In-Text Citation for the DSM-5
The in-text citation for the DSM-5 follows the standard APA format for books, focusing on the author and year. Because the manual is published by the American Psychiatric Association, it serves as the "author" of the work. The correct structure involves placing the parentheses directly after the paraphrased or quoted information to provide immediate source attribution.
Reference List Entry
The reference list entry is the complete bibliographic information that appears at the end of your paper. This entry allows readers to locate the physical or digital version of the manual you used. The formatting differs slightly depending on whether you are citing the entire book or a specific chapter, such as the criteria for a particular disorder.
Citing the Entire Manual
When referencing the general diagnostic criteria or the manual as a whole, use the following structure. Note the use of italics for the title and the specific edition identifier, which is crucial for locating the correct version in libraries or databases.
Element | Format
Author | American Psychiatric Association.
Year | (2013).
Title | Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).
Publisher | American Psychiatric Publishing.
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing.
Citing Specific Chapters or Criteria
If you are quoting a specific disorder or section, treat the specific criteria as a chapter within the book. In this scenario, you include the chapter title in quotation marks followed by the manual title in italics. This distinction helps readers understand exactly where the information originated within the larger volume.
Element | Format
Chapter Author | Work Group on Major Depressive Disorder.
Year | (2013).
Chapter Title | "Major depressive disorder."
Manual Info | Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.), pages 160-178.
Publisher | American Psychiatric Publishing.
