Delving into the ICD-11 : a review of the chapter on mental, behavioural or neurodevelopmental disorders

Abstract

The International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD) for mortality and morbidity statistics forms the basis of global health trends and statistics identification. The mental, behavioural and neurodevelopmental (MBND) chapter of the eleventh edition of the ICD (ICD-11) was the largest and most participative process throughout the history of mental health disorder classification. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the newly added disorders in ICD-11 in comparison to the tenth edition of the ICD (ICD-10) and to explain the changes and implications of approach and structure. Google Scholar and PubMed databases were searched for articles from 1899 to 2022 using search terms ‘ICD-10’ or ‘ICD-11’ and ‘differences’ or ‘newly added disorders’ or ‘changes’. Only articles on the varying aspects of the ICD-11 from the ICD-10 with respect to approach, structure and new disorders were included. 53 articles were eligible for inclusion. Literature reported that the ICD-11 takes a developmental approach to classifying disorders. As a result, sleep-wake and sexual health-related disorders were cross-listed to new chapters accordingly and new disorders were added. Namely, catatonia, bipolar type II disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, olfactory reference disorder, hoarding disorder, excoriation disorder, complex post-traumatic stress disorder, prolonged grief disorder, binge eating disorder, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, body integrity dysphoria, gaming disorder, compulsive sexual behaviour disorder, intermittent explosive disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Limitations were the inclusion of older articles to explain newly added disorders when recent relevant ones could not be identified. Evidently, the new additions to the MBND chapter of ICD-11 have proved to be the first major revision of the world’s foremost mental disorder classification in nearly 30 years. The new disorders along with other significant changes in the pre-existing mental disorders, have facilitated the clinical approach and management of psychiatric disorders by psychiatrists and non-specialists alike.