Mnemonics for Diagnostic Criteria of DSM V Mental Disorders

A collection of vocabulary terms and mnemonics for the diagnostic criteria of DSM-V mental disorders based on a scoping review.

Mnemonics

Specific devices for improving memory using cognitive cuing processes of organization, elaboration, and mental imagery during both learning and recall.

Acrostic Mnemonics

Sentences in which the first letter of each word corresponds to the first letter of one of the items that need to be remembered.

Acronym

A word created by using the first letter of each word of the information to be recalled.

Intellectual Disability

A disorder characterized by deficits in intellectual and adaptive functions in conceptual, social, and practical domains, with onset during the developmental period.

Language Disorder

Persistent deficits in expression and comprehension including reduced vocabulary, limited sentence structure, and impairments in discourse that are below expected for age.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (AUTISTICS mnemonic)

Again and again (repetitive), Unusual sensory reactivity, Toddlers (early onset), Insistence on sameness, Socioemotional reciprocity deficits, To relate is difficult, Impairment in functioning, Communication (non-verbal) poor, and Social communication below development.

ADHD Inattentive Symptoms (ATTENTION mnemonic)

Mnemonic for $6$ or more symptoms: Attention difficulty, Trouble listening, Tasks requiring sustained effort are difficult, Easily distracted, Necessary things lost, To finish is difficult, Is forgetful, Organizational skills lacking, and Not concerned about details.

ADHD Hyperactivity and Impulsivity (RUN FIDGET mnemonic)

Mnemonic for $6$ or more symptoms: Runs/climbs, Uninhibited in conversation, Not able to play quietly, Fidgets, Interrupts, Difficulty waiting turn, Get going, Evacuates seat, and Talks excessively.

Delusional Disorder (DeluSIONAL mnemonic)

Delusion for $1$ month or more, Schizophrenia A criteria not met, Impairment absent, Odd behaviour absent, Not substance-induced, Absence of mood episodes.

Brief Psychotic Disorder

Presence of at least one symptom (hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized speech) for at least $1$ day but less than $1$ month.

Schizophreniform Disorder

Psychotic symptoms lasting at least $1$ month but less than $6$ months.

Schizophrenia

Psychotic symptoms including impairment of functioning for a duration of at least $6$ months.

Catatonia (G-MAN SWEEPS MineCraft mnemonic)

Mnemonic for $\ge 3$ of $12$ symptoms: Grimacing, Mannerism, Agitation, Negativism, Stupor, Waxy flexibility, Echolalia, Echopraxia, Posturing, Stereotypy, Mutism, and Catalepsy.

Manic Episode (DIGFAST mnemonic)

Abnormal elevated mood plus $3$ or $4$ of $7$ symptoms for $7$ days: Distractibility, Indiscretion, Grandiosity, Flight of ideas, Activity increased, Sleep need decreased, and Talkativeness.

Major Depressive Disorder (SIG: EM CAPS mnemonic)

$5$ out of $9$ symptoms for over $2$ weeks: Suicidal thoughts, Interests decreased, Guilt, Energy decreased, Concentration decreased, Appetite disturbance, Psychomotor changes, and Sleep disturbance.

Persistent Depressive Disorder (HE'S 2 SAD mnemonic)

Rule of twos: $2$ years of depressed mood, $2$ of $6$ neurovegetative symptoms, and no more than $2$ months without symptoms.

Separation Anxiety Disorder (HUG PANDaS mnemonic)

Mnemonic for $3$ of $8$ symptoms lasting $4$ weeks in children or $6$ months in adults: Harm/loss worry, Untoward event, Going out fear, Physical symptoms, Alone fear, Nightmares, Distress, and Sleeping alone fear.

Panic Attack (STUDENTS FEAR 3 C's mnemonic)

Abrupt surge with $4$ or more symptoms: Sweating, Trembling, Unsteadiness, Depersonalization, Excessive heart rate, Nausea, Tingling, Shortness of breath, Fear of dying, Chest pain, Chills, and Choking.

Agoraphobia (COOPE mnemonic)

Fear of $2$ or more situations: Crowded areas, Open spaces, Outside home, Public transport, and Enclosed spaces.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (WATCHER mnemonic)

Worry and Anxiety for at least $6$ months, Time, Controlling worry is difficult, Handicapping, Exclude other disorders, and Rule out physiological effects.

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (TRAAUMA mnemonic)

Traumatic event, Re-experience, Avoidance, Alterations in cognition/mood, Unable to function, Month or more of symptoms, and Arousal increased.

Anorexia Nervosa (Weight Fear Bothers Anorexics mnemonic)

Significantly low body Weight, Fear of gaining weight, and perception that Body weight/shape is distorted.

Bulimia Nervosa (Bulimics Over-Consume Pastries mnemonic)

Binge eating at least once a week for $3$ months, Out of control sense, Concern with shape/weight, and Purging behaviours.

Insomnia Disorder (SLEEP mnemonic)

Sleep dissatisfaction, Lasting $3$ months, occurring $3$ times a week, Exclude other sleep disorders, Exclude coexisting medical/mental disorders, and Physiological effects of substance ruled out.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (REAL BADS mnemonic)

$4$ of $8$ symptoms for $6$ months: Resentful, Easily annoyed, Argues, Loses temper, Blames others, Annoys deliberately, Defies rules, and Spiteful.

Conduct Disorder (TRAP mnemonic)

Four categories of criteria: Theft, Rule breaking, Aggression, and Property destruction.

Delirium (4A and 3C mnemonic)

Attention/Awareness disturbance, Abrupt onset, Altering severity, Cognitive disturbance, Consequence of medical condition, not explained by neuroCognitive disorder or Coma.

Major Neurocognitive Disorder (DIRE mnemonic)

Decline in performance, Interfere with independence, Rule out delirium, and Exclude other mental disorders.

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (FEVER mnemonic)

Fever, Encephalopathy, Vital sign unstable, Enzyme elevation, and Rigidity.