Open without restrictions.
The collection consists of published works collected by Robert L. Spitzer relating to psychiatric evaluation and nomenclature, as well as awards, certificates, diplomas, medals and other memorabilia documenting his career.
History and Biography
Spitzer was a noted psychiatrist best known as one of the key figures in the modern classification of mental illness, especially as reflected in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, generally known as the DSM. He was chair of the APA committee which produced the influential third edition (1980) of this work, known as DSM-III.
Spitzer was educated at Cornell (BA, 1953) and New York University (MD, 1957). He received psychoanalytic training at the Columbia University Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research. Spitzer spend his entire career at Columbia where he was professor of psychiatry at the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and on the staff of the affiliated New York State Psychiatric Institute. He died in 2015.
Organization
Organized in two series: I. Publications; II. Certificates, Diplomas, and Memorabilia.
The collection consists of published works collected by Robert L. Spitzer relating to psychiatric evaluation and nomenclature, as well as awards, certificates, diplomas, medals and other memorabilia documenting his career. Among the publications are drafts, related publications, and translations of the third edition (1980) of the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, generally known as “DSM-III.” Other publications include evaluation criteria and forms created by Spitzer and others in the 1960s for the New York State Department of Mental Hygiene. The personal material includes his bachelor of arts and medical diplomas and numerous certificates relating to professional memberships and awards.
Subject Headings and Related Records
Administrative Information
Gift of Janet Williams, 2015-2017 (accessions #2015.016, #2015.022, #2016.014, #2017.031)
The one photograph in the collection has been moved to the general photograph holdings.