Towards ICD 11

Abstract

The World Health Assembly voted to adopt ICD 11 in May, 2019 which is expected to be implemented by the World Health Organization member states from January, 2022. The Mental, Behavioral or Neurodevelopmental Disorders ( MBND) chapter of the ICD 11 contains 21 groups of disorders in comparison to 11 groups in ICD 10. The sleep wake disorder and disorders related to sexuality were separated from the actual MBND chapter and cross listed from the new relevant sections. Apart from introduction of various new categories like Gaming Disorder, Prolonged Grief Disorder and Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder, there are also changes in existing diagnostic categories like Eating Disorders and Post Traumatic Stress Disorders. Shift towards a dimensional approach within a broader categorical approach is to be found in Personality disorders and Autistic Spectrum Disorders. The entire psychiatric community is waiting with bated breath to see how far the ICD 11 serves the purpose of scientific validity, universal applicability and clinical utility.