nonDSM

NonDSM is a term that appears in some psychological and psychiatric literature to indicate material, phenomena, or constructs that lie outside the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) taxonomy. It is not an official category within DSM editions, and its exact meaning depends on the author. In practice, nonDSM may refer to subthreshold presentations, culturally specific syndromes, or transdiagnostic phenomena that are not formally codified as DSM diagnoses.

Usage and scope: The label is typically employed in discussions about diagnostic boundaries, differential diagnosis, or research domains that aim to supplement DSM categories. It is often contrasted with DSM-defined disorders, and may be considered alongside alternative classification systems such as the ICD-11, dimensional models, or research frameworks like the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC). The term highlights what lies outside a DSM-based framework rather than proposing a separate, standardized category.

Limitations and cautions: Because there is no standardized definition, the meaning of nonDSM can vary across articles. When encountered, readers should consult the source to understand how the author defines it, and treat it as a descriptive, not diagnostic, label.

Relation to broader taxonomy: NonDSM discussions frequently touch on issues of culture, subclinical symptomatology, and the evolution of diagnostic criteria, reflecting ongoing debates about how best to classify mental health phenomena.