Culture and Psychiatric Diagnosis: Impact on DSM-IV and ICD-10

摘要: Psychiatric diagnosis is a clinical activity subjected to more determinants than many others. Based on unique human encounter, it resorts variety of informational sources and interpretive mechanisms that reflect strong cultural biases. Each diagnostic system has mirrored the period history in which became established. This article examines effect culture two best-known classificatory systems: DSM-IV ICD-10 Section V. It important minimize ethnocentrism disease categories psychiatry highlight possible biases interview process general, including assessment comorbidity levels stress, multiaxial impairment, everyday functioning, management recommendations. Research these issues measurement instruments must be pursued without sacrificing mainstream conventions.