[Process and phasic psychoses according to ICD-9 classification]

101 in-patients were diagnosed according to the ICD-9 and the Frankfurt (FC) classifications. The latter classification used the glossary of the AMDP system, and the Andreasen scale (SANS). 94% of the FC process psychoses were diagnosed as schizophrenia according to ICD-9 and 78% of the atypical phasic psychoses (FC) as schizoaffective schizophrenia (ICD-9). On the other hand, only 55% of the ICD-9 schozophrenias could be classified as a FC process psychosis. The results confirm the assumption that the ICD-9 classification is not helpful in distinguishing phasic from non-phasic psychoses. Advantages of a classification based on phasic or non-phasic course are mentioned. Finally it is emphasized that the operationalization of concepts (either classic or new), the polydiagnostic, and the use of international glossaries (like the AMDP system) are an unavoidable step for the development and extension of the psychiatric research in Latin America.