Routine psychiatric examinations guided by ICD-10 diagnostic checklists (International Diagnostic Checklists).

A systematic assessment of psychiatric diagnoses according to the new classification system ICD-10 can be guided and enhanced by the International Diagnostic Checklists (IDCL). This instrument was developed and evaluated primarily for use in routine clinical care. It consists of 30 separate lists in pocket form, each assigned to a specific disorder and allowing immediate and operationalized diagnostic decisions (without the need of computer assistance). Personality disorders are covered by a separate 12-page booklet (IDCL-P). Examples of the checklists are given together with possible areas of application. First studies have indicated good clinical practicability and satisfactory to excellent diagnostic reliability.