Bodily distress disorder in ICD‐11: problems and prospects

Abstract

Classifying the disorders associated with burdensome somatic concerns has been a challenging exercise in psychiatric nosology1. The classifications of these conditions in ICD‐10 and DSM‐IV have not fared much better than earlier attempts2. Even though not exactly identical, these classifications were broadly similar and criticisms of either system are therefore generally applicable to both. Among the most salient criticisms are those relating to their utility in routine clinical practice. These include the rarity of the major categories of the group, both in the community and in general clinical practice, as well as the evidence suggesting poor diagnostic reliability3.