Methods of classifying mental illnesses Psychology Essay (Essay Sample)

METHODS OF CLASSIFYING MENTAL ILLNESS – ICD AND DSM
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METHODS OF CLASSIFYING MENTAL ILLNESS – ICD AND DSM
World Health Organization defines mental disorders as a combination of abnormal thoughts, emotions, behavior and relationship with others. Two of the main methods used to classify mental illnesses are ICD (International Classification of Diseases) and DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual). ICD 11 is the 11th revision of the system of medical coding created by the World Health Organization for documenting diagnoses, diseases, signs and symptoms. Whereas, DSM is the handbook used by healthcare professionals mostly in the United States as a guide to diagnosis of medical illnesses.
Differences between ICD and DSM
There are some major differences between the two methods of classifying discussed above. One of the key differences is that ICD is used all over the world by healthcare professionals whereas DSM is used mostly in the United States. The table from the article, A comparison of DSM and ICD classifications of mental disorder, 2014 (pg. 283) by Peter Tyrer clearly outlines the differences.
ICD

DSM

Official world classification

US classification but is used in other countries

Used by all health practitioners

Used by psychiatrists