[Toward the new classification of mental disorders--Polish psychiatrists' opinions about project of ICD-11].

AIM: The World Psychiatric Association (WPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) initiated a series of national surveys regarding the revision of the chapter on Mental and Behavioural Disorders of the ICD-10. They are part of the global and systematic studies providing input into the new classification of mental disorders (ICD-11).

METHOD: In Poland, the survey after translation and implementing was performed electronically in collaboration with the Polish Psychiatric Association (17 Jan - 22 Feb 2011). 206 psychiatrists presented their experiences and ideas regarding international and other classification systems.

RESULTS

We present results from our national part of the survey. Psychiatrists called for simplifying the classification system, with less than 100 main categories in ICD-11. That would be beneficial for professionals, their clients and all other participants. Psychiatrists accepted both strict diagnostic criteria and flexible guidance in a classification manual. The independent severity axis should be implemented for all diagnoses. The functional status was considered to be a part of general diagnostic criteria. The dimensional scales were indicated as beneficial for the diagnostic process. Participants did not report any important problems with the cross-cultural applicability of existing classifications. The validity of some categories of ICD-10 was considered poor and their definitions should be reviewed, especially: schizotypal disorder, schizoaffective disorder, borderline personality disorder, dissociative/conversion disorders and some neurotic disorders.

CONCLUSION

The survey, as a part of truly international process, was the occasion to strengthen Polish psychiatrists' contribution regarding developing the new international classification (ICD-11).