Cultural Issues Related to ICD-11 Mental, Behavioural and Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Global Mental Health
• Cultural Psychiatry

Background:

• Developing universally applicable diagnostic systems presents significant challenges due to regional and cultural variations.
• The International Classification of Diseases, Eleventh Revision (ICD-11) aims to be a global standard for mental, behavioural, and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a qualitative review of the process and outcomes of developing the ICD-11 classification for mental, behavioural, and neurodevelopmental disorders.
• To identify cultural challenges, influences, and areas for improvement in the ICD-11.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative review of the development process of ICD-11.
• Analysis of changes and incorporated cultural elements in the classification.
• Identification of limitations and areas for future research.

Main Results:

• ICD-11 represents an iterative advancement, including new culturally relevant categories and modified diagnostic guidelines based on culturally informed data.
• Significant efforts were made to incorporate culture-related features for specific disorders.
• Shortcomings persist, particularly a lack of research on culture's role in illness pathogenesis.

Conclusions:

• ICD-11 is a step towards a more globally representative classification of mental disorders.
• Further empirical evidence on illness diversity and its mechanisms across regions is crucial for fairness and cultural utility.
• Continued commitment from stakeholders is necessary for refining future iterations of diagnostic systems.