Harmonisation of ICD-11 and DSM-V: opportunities and challenges.
BACKGROUND
Differences in the ICD-10 and DSM-IV definitions for the same disorder impede international communication and research efforts. The forthcoming parallel development of DSM-V and ICD-11 offers an opportunity to harmonise the two classifications.


OBJECTIVE
This paper aims to facilitate the harmonisation process by identifying diagnostic differences between the two systems.


METHODS
DSM-IV-TR criteria sets and the ICD-10 Diagnostic Criteria for Research were compared and categorised into those with identical definitions, those with conceptually based differences and those in which differences are not conceptually based and appear to be unintentional.


RESULTS
Of the 176 criteria sets in both systems, only one, transient tic disorder, is identical. Twenty-one per cent had conceptually based differences and 78% had non-conceptually based differences.


CONCLUSIONS
Harmonisation of criteria sets, especially those with non-conceptually based differences, should be prioritised in the DSM-V and ICD-11 development process. Prior experience with the DSM-IV and ICD-10 harmonisation effort suggests that for the process to be successful steps should be taken as early as possible.
First
Michael B
MB
New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Department of Psychiatry, 1051 Riverside Drive - Unit 60, New York, NY 10032, USA. mbf2@columbia.edu
D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D006801:Humans; D038801:International Classification of Diseases; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011594:Psychometrics; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D009626:Terminology as Topic