Classification Systems

ICD and DSM Manuals

Two main manuals are used in psychology: the ICD (International Classification of Diseases), produced by the World Health Organization (WHO), and the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), produced by the American Psychiatric Association (APA).

The ICD is usually used by general health personnel, while the DSM is preferred by neurologists, psychiatrists and legal and governmental institutions.

It is vital to work with the updated versions: ICD-11 and DSM-5 Revised Text (published in 2022), avoiding obsolete versions such as DSM-IV or ICD-10.

Structure and Diagnostic Axes

Historically, the manuals handled multi-axial diagnoses. However, since the DSM-5, the axial diagnosis has fallen into disuse in this manual.

In contrast, ICD-11 still has an axial structure that evaluates three dimensions: Axis 1 for clinical diagnoses (mental, physical, personality disorders), Axis 2 to evaluate disabilities in specific areas, and Axis 3 for environmental and situational factors.

The DSM-5 focuses on major psychiatric disorders, medical conditions, and psychosocial stresses (such as unemployment or bereavement).

Summary

Psychology primarily uses the WHO ICD and the APA DSM. It is vital to use the updated versions, ICD-11 and DSM-5 Revised Text, avoiding obsolete editions.

Unlike the DSM-5 which eliminated multi-axial diagnosis, ICD-11 maintains a structure of axes to evaluate clinical diagnoses, specific disabilities, and environmental or situational factors.

DSM-5 abandoned the traditional axes to focus on major psychiatric disorders, concomitant medical conditions, and psychosocial stresses affecting the patient's clinical picture.