Which step involves defining the problem using DSM-5?

• A. Step 1
• B. Step 3
• C. Step 2
• D. Step 4

Answer: (C)

The assessment phase is where the problem is defined using DSM-5. In this phase you gather presenting concerns, history, symptoms, how long they’ve been present, and the level of distress or impairment they cause. Then you translate that information into a diagnostic impression by applying DSM-5 criteria, which outline the specific symptoms, required duration, impairment, and exclusions needed to identify a disorder. This process creates a precise, DSM-5–based problem statement that guides what needs to be addressed and how treatment should proceed.

DSM-5 criteria provide a standardized way to determine if a disorder is present, differentiate between similar presentations, and specify any relevant specifiers or severity. For example, if mood symptoms, functional impairment, and duration align with the DSM-5 criteria for a depressive disorder, you would document that diagnosis based on those criteria, which then informs the treatment plan and prognosis. Engagement and data gathering are important, but the diagnostic formulation comes from applying DSM-5 during the assessment, setting the foundation for the rest of the intervention process.