psychiatric diagnostic criteria

Psychiatric diagnostic criteria are standardized guidelines used by mental health professionals to identify and categorize mental health conditions. They involve evaluating specific symptoms, their severity, duration, and how they impact a person’s daily life. These criteria help ensure accurate, consistent diagnoses, guiding effective treatment plans. For example, a diagnosis of depression requires persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest, and other symptoms lasting at least two weeks. The goal is to understand the challenges a person faces so they can receive appropriate support and care.