Glossary / Lexicon

ICD stands for the International Classification of Diseases, which is a system of codes and categories used to classify and code diagnoses of medical and mental health disorders. The ICD is developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and is widely used by healthcare professionals around the world.

In the psychology context, the ICD is used to classify and code mental health disorders. This helps healthcare professionals to communicate about diagnoses and treatment plans more effectively, and can also aid in research and policy development.

One example of a mental health disorder that is classified in the ICD is major depressive disorder. This is a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness or loss of interest in activities, as well as physical symptoms such as changes in appetite and sleep patterns. Major depressive disorder is classified in the ICD under the code F32.

Another example of a mental health disorder classified in the ICD is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This is an anxiety disorder characterized by recurring, intrusive thoughts or compulsive behaviors. OCD is classified in the ICD under the code F42.

Other mental health disorders classified in the ICD include schizophrenia (F20), bipolar disorder (F31), and generalized anxiety disorder (F41).

There are several other classification systems used in psychology and mental health, including the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). While the DSM is more commonly used in the United States, the ICD is used more widely throughout the world.

One similarity between the ICD and DSM is that both systems use categories and codes to classify mental health disorders. However, there are also some differences between the two systems. For example, the DSM uses a multiaxial system to classify mental health disorders, whereas the ICD does not.

Another similarity between the ICD and DSM is that both systems are revised periodically to reflect updates in research and changes in clinical practice. The most recent edition of the ICD, the ICD-11, was released in 2019, while the most recent edition of the DSM, the DSM-5, was released in 2013.

There are also other classification systems used in psychology and mental health, such as the Chinese Classification of Mental Disorders (CCMD) and the Mental and Behavioural Disorders section of the International Classification of Diseases in Primary Care (ICPC-2). These systems may be used in specific countries or regions, or may be used in conjunction with the ICD or DSM.

In conclusion, the ICD is a classification system used to classify and code diagnoses of medical and mental health disorders. In the psychology context, the ICD is used to classify mental health disorders, including major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and schizophrenia. While there are other classification systems used in psychology and mental health, the ICD is widely used around the world and is an important tool for communication, research, and policy development in the field of mental health.