Final answer:
The DSM-5 is used by psychologists for diagnosing mental disorders, guiding research, and classifying disorders, but not for prescribing medications, which is outside its scope.
Step-by-step explanation:
A psychologist may refer to the DSM-5 for a variety of reasons except to use it as a tool for prescribing medications. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, is a critical reference for professionals in the field of mental health. It serves purposes such as diagnosing complex mental disorders, offering a framework for research into the psychopathology of mental disorders, and assisting with the classification of disorders for effective treatment planning and management.
However, the DSM-5 does not include specific protocols for medication treatment, as prescribing medications is typically based on individual patient assessments and is often done by psychiatrists or other medical doctors rather than psychologists, unless the psychologist has the appropriate credentials to prescribe medication.