New Zealand psychiatrists views on global features of ICD-10 and DSM-IV.
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.


METHODS
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.
Mellsop
Graham
G
Waikato Clinical School, Waikato Hospital, Private Bag 3200, Hamilton, New Zealand. mellsopg@waikatodhb.govt.nz
Dutu
Gaelle
G
Robinson
Gail
G
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D038801:International Classification of Diseases; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand; D011570:Psychiatry; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires