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1.8: International Classification of Diseases

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    Learning Objectives
    • Explain how the International Classification of Diseases is used to classify mental disorders

    International Classification of Diseases

    A blue and white map of the continents.
    Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): The ICD is used globally while the DSM is rarely used outside of the United States.

    A second classification system, the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), is also widely recognized. Published by the World Health Organization (WHO), the ICD was developed in Europe shortly after World War II and, like the DSM, has been revised several times. The ICD is much larger and more comprehensive than the DSM because it deals with all manners of healthcare and is not specific only to mental health. The categories of psychological disorders in both the DSM and ICD are similar, as are the criteria for specific disorders; however, some differences exist. Although the ICD is used for clinical purposes, this tool is also used to examine the general health of populations and to monitor the prevalence of diseases and other health problems internationally (WHO, 2013). The ICD-11, in development for many years but officially adopted in January 2022, is the eleventh revision and replaced the ICD-10 as the global standard for coding health information and causes of death. The ICD-11 has not yet been officially implemented in the United States, so until at least 2025, clinicians still use the ICD-10-CM.

    Compassionate View of Psychological Disorders

    A couple sitting on a couch. One is comforting the other.
    Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\): It’s important to be considerate of those dealing with psychological disorders.

    As these disorders are outlined, please bear two things in mind. First, remember that psychological disorders represent extremes of inner experience and behavior. If, while reading about these disorders, you feel that these descriptions begin to personally characterize you, do not worry—this moment of enlightenment probably means nothing more than you are normal. Each of us experiences episodes of sadness, anxiety, and preoccupation with certain thoughts—times when we do not quite feel ourselves. These episodes should not be considered problematic unless the accompanying thoughts and behaviors become extreme and have a disruptive effect on one’s life.

    Second, understand that people with psychological disorders are far more than just embodiments of their disorders. We do not use terms such as schizophrenics, depressives, or phobics because they are labels that objectify people who suffer from these conditions, thus promoting biased and disparaging assumptions about them. It is important to remember that a psychological disorder is not what a person is; it is something that a person has—through no fault of his or her own. As is the case with cancer or diabetes, those with psychological disorders suffer debilitating, often painful conditions that are not of their own choosing. These individuals deserve to be viewed and treated with compassion, understanding, and dignity.

    Watch It

    Watch this CrashCourse Psychology video to better understand the history of diagnosing psychological disorders and how they are classified.

    You can view the transcript for “Psychological Disorders: Crash Course Psychology #28” here (opens in new window).

    Try It

    Glossary

    International Classification of Diseases (ICD): authoritative index of mental and physical diseases, including infectious diseases, and the criteria for their diagnosis; published by the World Health Organization (WHO)

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    This page titled 1.8: International Classification of Diseases is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Lumen Learning.

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