What is the DSM-5 primarily used for?

The DSM-5, or the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, is primarily used for diagnosing mental disorders based on standardized criteria. This manual provides mental health professionals with specific criteria and guidelines to reliably identify and classify mental health conditions, ensuring a common language and consistency in diagnosis. By using the DSM-5, clinicians can determine the presence of a disorder, which is crucial for informing treatment decisions and understanding a client's overall psychological functioning.

While other options touch on important aspects of mental health practice, they do not reflect the primary purpose of the DSM-5. Prescribing medication typically falls under the scope of practice for medical professionals, such as psychiatrists, rather than counselors. Therapeutic interventions for couples focus on treatment rather than diagnosis, and conducting client satisfaction surveys is a means of gathering feedback rather than a diagnostic tool. Thus, the central role of the DSM-5 remains its function as a diagnostic tool within the mental health field.