The mental health field doesn't have a single standard book that diagnoses mental health conditions. However, the most widely used reference for diagnosing mental disorders in the United States is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA). The DSM is a continuously updated guide that provides mental health professionals with standardized criteria for the diagnosis of mental disorders. It outlines the signs and symptoms of different disorders, as well as the criteria that must be met in order to make a diagnosis. Here are some other resources used by mental health professionals: International Classification of Diseases (ICD): This is a diagnostic manual published by the World Health Organization (WHO) that is used to diagnose a wide range of health conditions, including mental disorders. American Psychological Association (APA) handbooks: The APA publishes a number of handbooks on mental disorders, such as the Handbook of Abnormal Psychology and the Diagnostic and Treatment Manuals for the Psychiatric Disorders (better known as the DSM-TM). There are two main types of exams that can help assess someone's mental health: Mental status exam (MSE): This is a standardized evaluation that is used by mental health professionals to assess a person's current mental state. It typically includes observations of the person's appearance, behavior, speech, mood, and thought processes. The MSE can also include questions about the person's thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Psychological testing: This is a more comprehensive assessment that can be used to diagnose specific mental health conditions. Psychological testing can include a variety of tests, such as personality tests, intelligence tests, and achievement tests. The specific type of exam that a person will take will depend on their individual needs and situation. If you are concerned about your mental health, it is important to talk to a mental health professional. They can help you determine what type of exam is right for you. Here are some resources that you may find helpful: The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): https://www.nami.org/Home The MentalHealth.gov website: https://www.samhsa.gov/ The American Psychological Association (APA): https://www.apa.org/ source: gemini AI music: ableton artwork: sketchpoetic and saint kyriaki hand drawn collab in venice, ca x @sheiladarcey ig @sketchpoetic day 31 - mental health awareness month 2024 wow! 31 dayzzz. - we did it :). to your health! thank you so much for supporting this curation!