[Intellectual disability: is the new denomination a shift in perspective?]

The change from "mental retardation" to "intellectual disability" (ID) in the new version of the DSM-5 aims not only to eliminate stigmatization but also to modify diagnostic criteria. The IQ is no longer preeminent for defining ID or its severity, relying instead on broader clinical criteria and neuropsychological evaluation. More relevance is given to the evaluation of the individual's performance on daily life. This perspective addresses the concerns raised since the 1990's by organizations representing professionals and patients and their families. To better understand these changes we reviewed the definitions and criteria of previous DSM editions. The adoption of the alternative denomination of the "intellectual developmental disorder" is compatible with the ICD-11 to be released in 2015. This guideline was based on the recommendation of the working group for the classification of the intellectual disabilities.