What is the primary goal of the DSM-5 in the field of psychology?

The primary goal of the DSM-5, or the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, is to provide a comprehensive classification of mental disorders. It serves as a standardized reference that clinicians use to diagnose and categorize various mental health conditions. By establishing clear criteria for each disorder, the DSM-5 helps ensure consistency and reliability in diagnoses across different practitioners and settings. This classification system also aids in facilitating communication among professionals and supports effective treatment planning by identifying specific disorders and their associated symptoms.

The other options do not align as closely with the main purpose of the DSM-5. While enhancing therapeutic techniques and defining aspects of psychological treatments are certainly important in the field of psychology, they are not the primary focus of the DSM-5. Similarly, while the DSM may inform some research methodologies, its core function remains centered on the classification and diagnosis of mental disorders.