Mental Health Technician Certification (AMCA) Practice Test 2025 - Free Mental Health Technician Practice Questions and Study Guide

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is the key document used by mental health professionals for the classification of mental disorders. Published by the American Psychiatric Association, this manual provides standardized criteria for diagnosing mental health conditions, which facilitates consistent communication among clinicians and researchers.

The DSM includes detailed descriptions of a wide range of mental disorders, including their symptoms, prevalence, risk factors, and associated features. This classification system helps ensure that individuals receive appropriate diagnoses that lead to effective treatment plans. The manual is regularly updated to reflect new research findings and clinical practices, with the most recent version being the DSM-5, published in 2013 and its updates released thereafter.

The other options, while related to mental health, do not serve the primary function of classifying mental disorders. The Patient Health Questionnaire is a screening tool for detecting depression and anxiety. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act focuses on patient privacy and security of health information. The American Psychiatric Association Guidelines provide recommendations for treatment but do not function as a classification manual for mental disorders.