Z60.3: Acculturation difficulty

Acculturation difficulty, classified under the ICD-10 code Z60.3, pertains to the psychological stress encountered when an individual is adapting to a new culture different from their culture of origin. It is not a biological disease, rather a social and psychological condition. Commonly, it emerges when an individual moves to a different country or social environment with distinct cultural norms, values, and ways of life. Symptoms often involve feelings of confusion, anxiety, or disorientation, as well as having trouble understanding or adopting new social rules, language, and behaviors. These experiences may be accompanied by feelings of isolation or depression. The severity and progression of acculturation difficulty can vary greatly between individuals and is contingent on many factors, including the level of cultural difference, personal resilience, and available support systems.