Understanding the Basics of APA Citation Style
Before diving into specific instructions for citing the DSM-5, it’s important to understand the fundamental principles of APA style:
- Author: The author of the source is typically listed as the organization or individual responsible for the content.
- Publication Year: The year the work was published appears immediately after the author.
- Title and Edition: The title of the work is italicized, with the edition noted if applicable.
- Publisher: The name of the publisher is included to identify the source.
- Retrieval Information: For online sources, a DOI or URL is provided.
The APA 7th edition, the most recent version, offers specific guidelines on citing books, reports, and online materials. Since the DSM-5 is a manual published by the American Psychiatric Association, it is treated as a book or report.
How to Cite the DSM-5 in the Reference List
The reference list entry is a detailed citation that appears at the end of your document. It provides enough information for readers to locate the source themselves. When citing the DSM-5, follow this general format:
Format:
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Author.
Key points:
- Author: Use “American Psychiatric Association” as the author.
- Year: 2013, the publication year of the DSM-5.
- Title: Italicized, with the edition noted in parentheses.
- Publisher: Since the publisher is the author, use “Author” as the publisher.
Example of a Basic Book Citation for DSM-5
> American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Author.
Variations for Different Versions
If you are citing a specific part or a different version (such as the DSM-5-TR, the Text Revision published in 2022), adjust the year and edition accordingly:
> American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.). Author.
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In-Text Citations for the DSM-5
In-text citations are brief references within the body of your work that direct readers to the full citation in the reference list. The APA style generally uses the author-date format.
Basic in-text citation format:
- Parenthetical citation: (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2013)
- Narrative citation: American Psychiatric Association (2013)
When citing specific sections, pages, or criteria:
- If quoting or referring to a specific part, include page numbers if available, e.g., (American Psychiatric Association, 2013, p. 45).
- For paraphrasing, page numbers are optional but recommended for clarity.
Example:
> The criteria for major depressive disorder are outlined in the manual (American Psychiatric Association, 2013, p. 160).
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Citing the DSM-5 in Different Contexts
Depending on the context—such as a thesis, journal article, or clinical report—citations might vary slightly. Here are some common scenarios:
1. Citing the DSM-5 as a Book
Use the standard book citation format as shown above.
2. Citing a Specific Section or Diagnostic Criteria
When referencing a specific section, chapter, or diagnostic criteria, include the page number or section title as appropriate.
Example:
> The diagnostic criteria for generalized anxiety disorder include excessive worry, occurring more days than not for at least six months (American Psychiatric Association, 2013, p. 222).
3. Citing the DSM-5 Online Version
If you access the DSM-5 via an online platform or database, include the URL or DOI.
Format:
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/xxxxx
Example:
> American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596
Note: The DSM-5 is often accessed through platforms like PsychiatryOnline, where specific URLs or DOIs are provided.
Special Considerations for Citing the DSM-5
1. Citing the DSM-5 as a Reprint or PDF
If you are referencing a PDF version or a reprinted excerpt, cite it as a digital book, ensuring to include the URL or DOI if available.
2. Citing the DSM-5 in Academic Papers and Theses
Ensure consistency: follow your institution's guidelines, but generally, the citation remains the same. Always verify with your professor or publication manual if needed.
3. Citing the DSM-5-TR or Other Editions
Replace the year, edition, and possibly the title to match the specific version. For example:
> American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.). Author.
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Additional Tips for Accurate Citation
- Always check the latest APA manual or official resources for updates or specific nuances.
- Use the official title: “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.”
- Include the edition: (e.g., 5th ed., 5th edition, or text rev.).
- Maintain consistency throughout your work.
- Use citation management tools like EndNote, Zotero, or Mendeley to streamline the process.
Summary of Key Points
- The correct APA citation for the DSM-5 is:
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).
Adjust the year for newer editions (e.g., 2022 for DSM-5-TR).
- In-text citations typically include the author (American Psychiatric Association) and the year.
- When quoting specific content or referring to pages, include page numbers.
- For online sources, include a DOI or URL.
Conclusion
Citing the DSM-5 in APA style is straightforward once you understand the basic format and variations needed for different contexts. Proper citation not only enhances the credibility of your work but also ensures adherence to academic standards. Always double-check your citations against the latest APA manual or official guidelines, especially when citing electronic versions or newer editions. With careful attention, referencing the DSM-5 can be seamlessly integrated into your scholarly writing, facilitating clear communication and proper attribution of sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I cite the DSM-5 in APA format for my research paper?
You should cite the DSM-5 as a book, formatted as follows: American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing.
What is the correct in-text citation for the DSM-5 in APA style?
The in-text citation for the DSM-5 is (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2013) or (APA, 2013) if the author is clear from context.
How do I cite a specific section or disorder from the DSM-5 in APA?
Include the author, year, and specific page or section number if applicable. For example: (American Psychiatric Association, 2013, p. 123) or (Section on Anxiety Disorders, p. 456).
Are there differences in citing the DSM-5 as a print book versus an online resource in APA?
Yes. For the print book, cite the publisher; for an online version, include the URL or DOI. For example, for online: American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/xxxxx
What is the proper APA citation format for the DSM-5 when referencing the entire manual?
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing.
How do I cite the DSM-5 in APA if I am quoting directly from it?
Include the author, year, and page number. Example: (American Psychiatric Association, 2013, p. 125).
Can I cite the DSM-5 using a DOI in APA format?
Yes, if the DSM-5 is accessed online and has a DOI, include it in the reference: American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/xxxx
How should I cite the DSM-5 in an APA reference list if I used a specific edition published in a different year?
Always cite the edition you used, e.g., American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing.
What should I include in the citation if I accessed the DSM-5 online via a database or website?
Include the author, year, title, and URL or DOI. For example: American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Retrieved from https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm
Is there a specific APA format for citing the DSM-5 in academic papers?
Yes. The general format is: American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing, with additional details for online sources if applicable.
