The new ICD-11 diagnosis of personality disorder in forensic psychiatry

This paper examines the implications of the transition from ICD-10 to ICD-11 for the diagnosis of personality disorders in forensic psychiatric evaluations. The ICD-11 introduces a dimensional approach, replacing the previous categorical system with a focus on severity and maladaptive personality tr...

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Main Authors: Camille Jantzi, Valerie Moulin
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-08-01
Series:Frontiers in Psychiatry
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1630512/full
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author Camille Jantzi
Valerie Moulin
author_facet Camille Jantzi
Valerie Moulin
author_sort Camille Jantzi
collection DOAJ
description This paper examines the implications of the transition from ICD-10 to ICD-11 for the diagnosis of personality disorders in forensic psychiatric evaluations. The ICD-11 introduces a dimensional approach, replacing the previous categorical system with a focus on severity and maladaptive personality traits. This shift addresses longstanding criticisms of the ICD-10, such as underdiagnosis, diagnostic instability, and lack of scientific validity. The new model classifies personality disorders by severity (mild, moderate, severe) and five trait domains, enhancing clinical nuance but also introducing challenges in continuity and communication. While the ICD-11 aims to improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning, concerns remain regarding overdiagnosis, increased stigma-especially among adolescents and the adequacy of trait coverage. The absence of validated diagnostic tools and clear severity thresholds further complicates forensic application. Preliminary studies suggest a dramatic increase in diagnosed cases under ICD-11, raising questions about the risk of pathologizing normative behavior and the potential for excessive intervention. The paper highlights the need for further research and careful implementation to balance improved recognition of personality pathology with the avoidance of unintended negative consequences in forensic practice.
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spelling doaj-art-0a0e083563a54804985dfd33e8437a132025-08-20T03:44:11ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Psychiatry1664-06402025-08-011610.3389/fpsyt.2025.16305121630512The new ICD-11 diagnosis of personality disorder in forensic psychiatryCamille Jantzi0Valerie Moulin1University Center of Legal Medicine (CURML), Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, SwitzerlandUniversité Grenoble Alpes, Laboratoire Inter-universitaire de Psychologie, Personnalité, Cognition et Changement Social-LIP/PC2S, Grenoble, FranceThis paper examines the implications of the transition from ICD-10 to ICD-11 for the diagnosis of personality disorders in forensic psychiatric evaluations. The ICD-11 introduces a dimensional approach, replacing the previous categorical system with a focus on severity and maladaptive personality traits. This shift addresses longstanding criticisms of the ICD-10, such as underdiagnosis, diagnostic instability, and lack of scientific validity. The new model classifies personality disorders by severity (mild, moderate, severe) and five trait domains, enhancing clinical nuance but also introducing challenges in continuity and communication. While the ICD-11 aims to improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning, concerns remain regarding overdiagnosis, increased stigma-especially among adolescents and the adequacy of trait coverage. The absence of validated diagnostic tools and clear severity thresholds further complicates forensic application. Preliminary studies suggest a dramatic increase in diagnosed cases under ICD-11, raising questions about the risk of pathologizing normative behavior and the potential for excessive intervention. The paper highlights the need for further research and careful implementation to balance improved recognition of personality pathology with the avoidance of unintended negative consequences in forensic practice.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1630512/fullcriminologyforensic psychiatryICD 11personality disorderpsychiatric evaluation
spellingShingle Camille Jantzi
Valerie Moulin
The new ICD-11 diagnosis of personality disorder in forensic psychiatry
Frontiers in Psychiatry
criminology
forensic psychiatry
ICD 11
personality disorder
psychiatric evaluation
title The new ICD-11 diagnosis of personality disorder in forensic psychiatry
title_full The new ICD-11 diagnosis of personality disorder in forensic psychiatry
title_fullStr The new ICD-11 diagnosis of personality disorder in forensic psychiatry
title_full_unstemmed The new ICD-11 diagnosis of personality disorder in forensic psychiatry
title_short The new ICD-11 diagnosis of personality disorder in forensic psychiatry
title_sort new icd 11 diagnosis of personality disorder in forensic psychiatry
topic criminology
forensic psychiatry
ICD 11
personality disorder
psychiatric evaluation
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1630512/full
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