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 classifying and diagnosing mental disorders. This manual provides standardized criteria and classifications that help mental health professionals identify various psychological conditions. It is an essential tool in clinical settings to ensure consistency and accuracy in diagnosis across different practitioners and research contexts.

By using the DSM-5, clinicians can assess symptoms, determine appropriate diagnoses, and communicate more effectively about mental health conditions. This reliability is important not only for treatment planning but also for research and epidemiological studies, as it allows for a common language regarding mental health disorders.

Other options focus on different aspects of psychology. For instance, while developing psychological theories and guiding therapeutic interventions are important in the field, they do not directly pertain to the primary function of the DSM-5. The measure of psychological traits refers to personality assessments or psychometrics, which again is outside the scope of the DSM-5's intended use.