[What do psychologists think about classificatory diagnostics: the WHO-IUPsyS-survey in Germany and Switzerland in preparation for the ICD-11].
OBJECTIVE
For the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-11) attitudes of psychologists towards classificatory diagnostics should be considered.


METHODS
A survey was conducted via the Internet in 22 countries. 1985 psychologists participated with N=170 from Germany and N=37 from Switzerland.


RESULTS
The German participants preferred the ICD. Classificatory diagnostics should inform on treatment as well as serve for communication. The majority argued for a flexible use and guidance towards strict criteria. In contrast to respondents from other countries, a functional status as part of the diagnostic criteria was not considered but in line with them, a dimensional component was endorsed.


CONCLUSIONS
Responses of the German psychologists partially differ to those of participants from other countries. Differences and implications are discussed.
Psychologisches Institut, Psychopathologie und Klinische Intervention, Universität Zürich, Schweiz.
Andreas
A
Maercker
Weltgesundheitsorganisation, Abteilung Seelische Gesundheit und Substanzmissbrauch, Genf, Schweiz.
Geoffrey M
GM
Reed
Internationale Vereinigung für wissenschaftliche Psychologie, Kapstadt, Südafrika.
Ann
A
Watts
Psychologisches Institut, Psychopathologie und Klinische Intervention, Universität Zürich, Schweiz.
John
J
Lalor
Psychologisches Institut, Psychopathologie und Klinische Intervention, Universität Zürich, Schweiz.
Axel
A
Perkonigg
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D038801:International Classification of Diseases; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011584:Psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013557:Switzerland; D014944:World Health Organization