What is ICD-11?
ICD-11 is the World Health Organization's 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases, a diagnostic framework for mental and physical conditions used by Italian mental health professionals as an alternative or complement to DSM-5.
The ICD-11 (International Classification of Diseases, 11th revision) is the World Health Organization's diagnostic manual for classifying diseases, disorders, and health conditions globally. In Italian psychiatric practice, it functions as a clinical reference alongside the American DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), though many Italian practitioners favor ICD-11 for its alignment with European healthcare standards and reporting requirements.
Unlike the DSM-5, which uses categorical diagnosis, ICD-11 incorporates dimensional aspects in some diagnoses and reflects a more dimensional approach to certain conditions. Italian psychiatrists use ICD-11 codes for official documentation, insurance claims, and hospital records within the Italian healthcare system (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale). The system includes specific sections for mental, behavioral, and neurodevelopmental disorders, organized under the broader ICD structure.
Key differences shape clinical choice: ICD-11 recognizes "complex post-traumatic stress disorder" (CPTSD) as distinct from standard PTSD, includes explicit criteria for disorders like gaming addiction, and uses a hierarchical coding system familiar to Italian medical professionals. For practitioners in Milan and across Italy, ICD-11 often serves as the primary diagnostic reference for statutory reporting while DSM-5 may be consulted for research or when working with international case studies. Both frameworks coexist in Italian practice rather than one replacing the other entirely.