Robert L. Spitzer (psychiatrist)

Robert L. Spitzer was a prominent American psychiatrist known for developing the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III) in 1980. His work standardized psychiatric diagnoses, making them more reliable and scientifically grounded. This manual helped mental health professionals diagnose conditions like depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia consistently across different settings. Spitzer’s contributions significantly advanced psychiatric practice by clarifying diagnostic criteria, influencing research, treatment, and insurance coverage. His efforts helped transition psychiatry towards a more empirical and research-based discipline, shaping modern mental health assessment and understanding.