Arab Specificities, Arab Voice and Global Connectedness: The Development of WHO s New International Classification of Mental Disorders

WHO is currently revising the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision (ICD-10).The WHO Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse is leading the development of the ICD-11 classification of mental and behavioral disorders. One of the Department’s primary aims is to developa clinically useful and culturally-sensitive diagnostic system for the effective identification of people in need of mental health services, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.To facilitate discussion of the needs and specificities of each region as a part of the development of a truly global classification of mental and behavioral disorders for ICD-11, WHO has held a series of regional meetings in different parts of the world. Most recently, a meeting for the Arab region was held in Beirut, Lebanon, in June 2011, to discuss the cultural applicability of ICD-10 classification of mental and behavioral disorders and provide recommendations for the development of ICD-11 classification of mental and behavioral disorders. Presentations at the conference focused on diagnostic groups that represent major areas of concern for Arab mental health in terms of cultural relevance and applicability. The major areas of concern were regarding criteria for PTSD, mood disorders in relation to somatization, substance abuse, sexual problems, and eating disorders. Some changes were also suggested for the primary care version of the ICD-11. Based on these discussions, specific proposals that can inform the development of the ICD-11 mental and behavioral disorders classification from an Arab perspective and guide future field studies in the region will be developed.