The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders will be published by the American Psychological Association (APA) on Wednesday 22nd May.

Paul Farmer, Chief Executive of Mind, said:
"Mind knows that for many people affected by a mental health problem, receiving a diagnosis enabled by diagnostic documents like the DSM 5 can be extremely helpful. A diagnosis can provide people with appropriate treatments, and it could give the person access to other support and services, including benefits.

However, we know that people are often given the wrong diagnosis. For example it takes, on average, ten years before a person with bipolar disorder gets a correct diagnosis, which comes with a number of mental and physical health implications such as side-effects from the wrong medication. Often because of the stigma attached to many mental health problems, people also do not want to be labelled with a diagnosis.

We want to empower people affected by mental health problems to be as informed as possible about the process of diagnosis and treatment. Mind provides a wealth of non-biased information about specific mental health problems and different views on treatments that may be based on a medical model, such as medication, or the social model, such as ecotherapy.

We encourage anyone concerned about their mental health to find out more by visiting the Mind website or calling the Mind Infoline, which provides information about types of mental health problem, where to get help, types of medication and alternative treatments and advocacy."