International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision (ICD-10) Criteria for Depression

What is the ICD-10?

The International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision (ICD-10) is a medical coding system published by the World Health Organization (WHO). It is used by health professionals to classify diseases and conditions for statistical purposes, and to guide clinical decisions.

History of the ICD-10 Criteria for Depression

The ICD-10 criteria for depression were developed in 1990 by the World Health Organization (WHO). They are based on the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), but there are some important differences. For example, the ICD-10 does not include premenstrual dysphoric disorder as a separate depression diagnosis, whereas the DSM does.

What are the ICD-10 Criteria for Depression?

• Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day
• Marked loss of interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities most of the day, nearly every day
• Significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain, or decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day
• Insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day
• Psychomotor agitation or retardation nearly every day
• Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day
• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt nearly every day
• Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness, nearly every day
• Recurrent thoughts of death, recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan, a suicide attempt, or a specific plan for committing suicide

A diagnosis of depression requires that an individual has at least five of these symptoms for two weeks or more. Additionally, at least one of the symptoms must be either a depressed mood or a loss of interest or pleasure.

Types of ICD-10 Criteria for Depression

• Major depressive disorder (MDD): A more severe form of depression, requiring at least five of the symptoms listed above for two weeks or more. Additionally, at least one of the symptoms must be either a depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure.

• Dysthymic Disorder: A less severe form of depression, requiring symptoms listed above for two years or more. Additionally, at least one of the symptoms must be either a depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure.

How the ICD-10 Criteria for Depression Are Used

• Diagnosis: To diagnose patients with depression.
• Research: To study the prevalence of depression, its course and outcome, and develop new treatments.
• Treatment: To guide treatment decisions for patients with depression.

Tips for Using the ICD-10 Criteria for Depression

• Consider them a starting point, also gather information from the patient's history, physical exam, and laboratory tests.
• Be aware they may not accurately diagnose all cases of depression.

Pitfalls of Using the ICD-10 Criteria for Depression

• Based on self-report, relying on the patient's ability to accurately report symptoms.
• Not specific to depression, as some symptoms can be caused by other medical conditions.
• Not applicable to all cultures, as the symptoms of depression can vary.

Differences Between the ICD-10 and ICD-11 Criteria for Depression

The ICD-11 no longer requires a person to have a depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure for two weeks to be diagnosed with depression.

A Word From Verywell

The ICD-10 criteria for depression are a useful tool for diagnosing and treating depression. However, it is important to be aware of the limitations of these criteria. If you are concerned that you may have depression, talk to your doctor.