why do they make the DSM-IV so hard to read?

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Who else knows the definition of words like:

reciprocity
adherence
cognitive

Etc, out of the top of their heads? I don't, and I used to read the dictionary for FUN!! !!


I guess its not meant for me to comprehend? Sigh... I wonder if even the doctors know what that means...

It's meant for professionals. If it's indecipherable to most members of the general public, that is not a problem.

That said, I don't find any of those words difficult to comprehend, and use all of them myself from time to time.

I thought those were normal words? And even if they aren't, I'm sure thinking of other, similar words can help. Reciprocity is like the words reciprocal and reciprocate, just turned into a noun. Adherence is the noun form of adhere. And cognitive might be a little out there for us normal people, but it's a common word among doctors and psychologists. Cognitive psychology is a particular branch of psychology, so it would stand to reason that most psychologists are familiar with the word.

And reading the dictionary will not guarantee you know the meanings of words in a lexical context. But I'm sure it's helped.

Because it's written for doctors and professionals by doctors and professionals.

My answer was stolen. >.<

Agreeing with the above it is aimed at people with at least 6 years of college level education it's a "diagnostic and statistical manual" not a "dictionary of mental disorder". There are more general books for laypeople wanting an overview of what different conditions are, as well as books that explain the DSM-IV TR. Also it will be the DSM-5 in the not too distant future, which may be easier or harder to read, but will still be a professional tool costing a fair bit of $ rather than a pick off the shelf at borders light reading number.