Am J Psychiatry 1984; 141:418-420
Copyright © 1984 by American Psychiatric Association
Medical and legal problems in psychiatric coding under the DSM and ICD systems
IN Perr
The various diagnostic systems in psychiatry have differed in their
terminology and associated numerical codes. Lack of attention to coding
variations in the DSM and ICD systems during the review of patient records
can lead to misinterpretation and confusion; reliance on historical or
statistical studies that use differing systems may be questionable. Two
cases illustrate the problems caused by lack of awareness of these factors.
Specification by the psychiatrist of both the diagnostic system used and
the appropriate revision or edition can lessen communication error or
misunderstanding.