Graham Mellsop1, Gaelle Dutu, Gail Robinson. 1. Waikato Clinical School, Waikato Hospital, Private Bag 3200, Hamilton, New Zealand. mellsopg@waikatodhb.govt.nz
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The present accepted classificatory systems (ICD-10 and DSM-IV) represent the culmination of 100 years of post-Kraepelinian evolution. The present paper reports on a study to ascertain the views of New Zealand psychiatrists on their requirements of a classificatory system, and their opinions on those currently in use. METHOD: An anonymous postal survey of 542 psychiatrists and trainees was undertaken in New Zealand. RESULTS: A total of 235 questionnaires were returned, completed. New Zealand psychiatrists primarily use DSM-IV and do so because that is what they were taught on. They make relatively limited use of the multiaxiality. The purposes of classificatory systems that they value most highly are reliable interclinician communication, and to inform patient management planning. The two purposes they valued least were usefulness for a national statistical base, or to indicate prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: New Zealand psychiatrists' views are consistent with some of the stated objectives of ICD-10 and DSM-IV, but there is significant diversity in the former and over-ambition in the latter, with much to be resolved.
OBJECTIVE: The present accepted classificatory systems (ICD-10 and DSM-IV) represent the culmination of 100 years of post-Kraepelinian evolution. The present paper reports on a study to ascertain the views of New Zealand psychiatrists on their requirements of a classificatory system, and their opinions on those currently in use. METHOD: An anonymous postal survey of 542 psychiatrists and trainees was undertaken in New Zealand. RESULTS: A total of 235 questionnaires were returned, completed. New Zealand psychiatrists primarily use DSM-IV and do so because that is what they were taught on. They make relatively limited use of the multiaxiality. The purposes of classificatory systems that they value most highly are reliable interclinician communication, and to inform patient management planning. The two purposes they valued least were usefulness for a national statistical base, or to indicate prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: New Zealand psychiatrists' views are consistent with some of the stated objectives of ICD-10 and DSM-IV, but there is significant diversity in the former and over-ambition in the latter, with much to be resolved.
Authors: Geoffrey M Reed; João Mendonça Correia; Patricia Esparza; Shekhar Saxena; Mario Maj Journal: World Psychiatry Date: 2011-06 Impact factor: 49.548
Authors: Spencer C Evans; Geoffrey M Reed; Michael C Roberts; Patricia Esparza; Ann D Watts; João Mendonça Correia; Pierre Ritchie; Mario Maj; Shekhar Saxena Journal: Int J Psychol Date: 2013-06-10