Sources we cite

Each Shrinktionary entry lists the specific sources that support its definition. These are the categories of sources we treat as reliable.

Primary clinical references.

The DSM-5-TR for diagnostic criteria. The ICD-11 where international consistency matters. Official FDA medication labels for prescribing information.

Federal and academic health authorities.

The National Institute of Mental Health for condition overviews and prevalence data. MedlinePlus from the National Library of Medicine for patient-facing explanations. The CDC for public health context. The American Psychiatric Association for clinical practice guidance.

Major medical centers.

The Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins, and Cleveland Clinic for accessible, clinician-reviewed explanations of conditions and treatments.

Peer-reviewed literature.

Papers indexed in PubMed, prioritizing meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and large studies published in respected journals.

We don't cite blog posts, social media, or commercial health sites as primary sources. We don't cite ourselves. Each citation includes the title, publisher, and a direct link.