CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS IN MENTAL HEALTH: DSM AND ICD APPROACHES

Abstract

Diagnostic classification systems play a crucial role in modern psychiatric practice, research, and global mental health policy. The two primary systems—the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) published by the American Psychiatric Association and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) developed by the World Health Organization—provide standardized criteria for identifying and categorizing mental disorders. These frameworks support reliable diagnosis, facilitate communication among mental health professionals, guide treatment planning, and enable epidemiological research across countries. Over time, both DSM and ICD have evolved toward symptom-based and operationalized diagnostic approaches that emphasize clinical reliability and global applicability. Despite significant overlap, differences remain in their structure, diagnostic thresholds, cultural sensitivity, and dimensional approaches to psychopathology. This chapter examines the historical development, conceptual foundations, structural organization, strengths, and limitations of DSM and ICD. It also discusses emerging alternatives such as the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) and the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP), reflecting ongoing efforts to refine psychiatric classification in the context of precision medicine and contemporary mental health research.