The inclusion of 21 new mental diseases is one of the most significant developments in the ICD-11. New categories were often proposed to: increase the use of morbidity data; assist the identification of a clinically significant but poorly defined mental condition in order to give appropriate therapy; and promote research into more effective therapies. Given the significant consequences for the field and World Health Organization (WHO) member countries, it was critical to investigate the effect of these new categories during the early stages of ICD-11 deployment. The following disorders were discussed in the study: complicated post-traumatic stress disorder, extended grieving disorder, gaming disorder, and compulsive sexual behavior disorder. The categories were chosen because they have sparked a lot of discussions and/or debate, and because their inclusion in the ICD-11 marks a different conclusion than the DSM-5. Experts on each of these disorders were invited to provide insight into why it was deemed important to include it in the ICD-11, the implications for the care of not having that diagnostic category, important controversies about adding the disorder, and a review of the evidence generated and other developments related to the category since the WHO signaled its intention to include it in the ICD-11.
Each of the four diagnostic categories appeared to depict a group with clinically significant and distinguishing traits that had previously gone unnoticed, as well as unique therapeutic needs that would otherwise go unmet. Following the inclusion of these categories in the ICD-11, there had been a large rise in the availability of relevant services, as well as a substantial growth of research in each area, which had usually confirmed their validity and utility.
Reference:onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/wps.20960
