Final answer:
The DSM-5 serves as a descriptive system providing specific diagnostic criteria for mental disorders, used widely in psychology and psychiatry for consistent diagnoses.
Step-by-step explanation:
The DSM-5, or the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, acts as a descriptive system for diagnosing psychological disorders. Clinicians utilize it as a manual that outlines specific diagnostic criteria based on observable signs and symptoms. DSM-5 covers a broad range of disorders, including substance use disorders, which are characterized by a person's compulsion to use drugs despite the negative consequences and potential for psychological and physical dependence.
This diagnostic tool is fundamental in the field of psychology and psychiatry, ensuring uniformity in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions across different professionals and settings. The evolving classification reflects the complexity and varied perspectives on mental disorders.