ICD (International Classification of Diseases) and DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) are two classification systems widely used in the field of psychology and psychiatry to diagnose and categorize mental health disorders. While both systems serve similar purposes, there are some key differences between them:
Origin and Organization:
- ICD: The ICD is developed and maintained by the World Health Organization (WHO). It is a comprehensive international classification system used to classify diseases and health conditions, not just mental disorders. Mental health disorders are one part of the larger ICD framework.
- DSM: The DSM is published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA). It is focused solely on mental health and behavioral disorders, providing criteria for the diagnosis of various mental disorders.
Geographic Application:
- ICD: As the name suggests, the ICD is an international classification system used worldwide. It is widely adopted in many countries and is an essential tool for epidemiological purposes, public health, and international health statistics.
- DSM: While the DSM is primarily developed in the United States, it is also used in various other countries. However, some countries may prefer to use the ICD for diagnosing mental disorders.
Diagnostic Criteria:
- ICD: The ICD tends to be more concise and broader in its diagnostic criteria. It emphasizes simplicity and ease of use for general medical practitioners and health professionals.
- DSM: The DSM is known for providing more detailed and specific diagnostic criteria for various mental disorders. It is regularly revised and updated to reflect new research and evolving understandings of mental health conditions.
Approach to Culture and Context:
- ICD: The ICD aims to be culturally sensitive and applicable to diverse populations and settings. It considers the global context of mental health disorders.
- DSM: The DSM has been criticized for having a more Western-centric perspective, which might not fully account for the cultural variations in the expression of mental health disorders.
Editions:
- ICD: The ICD has gone through several editions, with the current version being ICD-10, An updated version, ICD-11, has been released, but its global implementation may take some time.
- DSM: The DSM has also undergone multiple revisions, and the most recent edition at my understanding was DSM-5, published in 2013.
Both the ICD and DSM play vital roles in the diagnosis and classification of mental health disorders. Mental health professionals often use either one or both systems, depending on the country, clinical setting, and the preference of the healthcare provider or institution.