What is the DSM-5 and ICD-11?

🎙️ Mental health conversations often involve a lot of terms, diagnoses, and classifications — but where do they come from, and why do they matter? I'm Dominic Lawson, creator of Mental Health Rewritten. Throughout this show, we'll be referencing two major diagnostic tools that shape our understanding of mental and behavioral health: 🔹 DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition) Published by the American Psychiatric Association, it’s the primary diagnostic guide used by mental health professionals in the United States. 🔹 ICD-11 (International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision) Developed by the World Health Organization, the ICD-11 classifies all medical conditions worldwide — including mental and behavioral disorders — and is used across many countries for diagnosis, treatment, and insurance coding. On Mental Health Rewritten, we incorporate both tools to provide a well-rounded, accessible understanding of mental health. When a diagnosis is mentioned during an episode, you’ll hear a special cue — signaling a clear, listener-friendly breakdown of what the diagnosis means, how it's classified, and why it matters. Because mental health isn't just about definitions — it’s about the people behind them. We’re here to demystify the language of mental health, humanize the diagnoses, and rewrite the narrative together. 🎧 Season 1 launches May 14, 2025. Subscribe today and join us for real stories, real understanding, and real change. 🔗 Apple Podcasts, Spotify with exclusive content on Instagram (@mentalhealthrewrittenpodcast). 🧠 And always — take care of yourself. You matter.