Culture in DSM-IV, ICD-10, and evolving diagnostic systems

Abstract

The past decade has shown interesting attempts to articulate the cultural framework of psychiatric diagnosis. Most distinctive in this regard has been the culture presence in DSM-IV. Less substantial concerning culture has been the core ICD-10. Of high cultural interest are the national and international adaptations of ICD-10 because of their aim at articulating universality with local realities and needs. The WPA International Guidelines for Diagnostic Assessment exhibits an innovative diagnostic system that combines standardized multiaxial and personalized idiographic formulations with pointed attention to culture considerations. Finally, this article outlines some culture-informed recommendations for the development of future diagnostic systems.