skip to main content

ICD-11 PD Classification — MRCPsych Paper B MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardPersonality DisordersICD-11 PD ClassificationMRCPsych Paper B

Which statement most accurately describes the principal structural change from ICD-10 to ICD-11 in the classification of personality disorder?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D — A single personality disorder diagnosis is graded by severity, with optional trait-domain and borderline-pattern qualifiers.

ICD-11 replaces the ICD-10 system of multiple named personality disorder types with a general Personality Disorder diagnosis whose severity is specified as mild, moderate or severe. The presentation may then be described using any applicable trait-domain qualifiers: negative affectivity, detachment, dissociality, disinhibition and anankastia. An optional borderline-pattern qualifier is also available. Therefore, D is correct. The previous ICD-10 types are not retained as the primary diagnoses, excluding A. Traits are qualifiers rather than five independent disorders, excluding C. Severity is central but is not the only descriptive element, excluding D. Borderline pattern is an optional qualifier rather than the sole remaining personality disorder diagnosis, excluding E.

Reference: Tyrer P, Mulder R, Kim YR, Crawford MJ. The Development of the ICD-11 Classification of Personality Disorders: An Amalgam of Science, Pragmatism, and Politics. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology. 2019;15:481–502. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30601688/