Classificatory systems and disability

Abstract

It is generally accepted that disability represents a construct relevant to mental health, with important implications for the categorization of the clinical course and outcome of mental disorders. Thus, it appears that functional impairment should be built into the configuration of an appropriate diagnostic and classification system of mental disorders. The new model of disability adopted in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) proved to be valid and cross-culturally applicable. The ICF could be used as a guide for the incorporation of functional impairment in the new classificatory systems. The joint use of the International Classification of Disease and ICF would benefit medicine and health systems toward better health services planning and reimbursement.

Keywords

• Classificatory systems
• disability
• ICF
• functioning