Final answer:
A DSM-5 diagnosis pertains to medical causes and is utilized for diagnosing psychological disorders. In contrast, a nursing diagnosis considers a patient's holistic response to illness and informs a broader spectrum of care.
Step-by-step explanation:
The major difference between a DSM-5 diagnosis and a nursing diagnosis is that DSM-5 focuses on medical causes and is used by clinicians to diagnose psychological disorders, while nursing diagnosis considers holistic factors including the client's response to illnesses and encompasses a broader spectrum of patient care. For instance, the DSM-5 diagnosis of substance use disorders involves a set of criteria such as a compulsive pattern of drug use that leads to significant adverse consequences and could include physical and psychological dependence. On the other hand, a nursing diagnosis would be more inclusive of the individual's physical, emotional, social, and spiritual wellbeing and would inform the nursing care plan to address these aspects.