How Thailand has modified the section on mental disorders in the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Revision (ICD-10)

Introduction: In 2000, the Thai Ministry of Public Health appointed a taskforce to revise the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Relate Health Problems 10th Revision (ICD-10) to make it more suitable for use in Thailand: the ICD-10 Thai Modification (ICD-10 TM). Methods: The Royal College of Psychiatrists of Thailand appointed psychiatrists from various hospitals to form a working group on this matter. The ICD-10 Australian Modification was used as an example and the ICD-10 Diagnostic Criteria for Research was used as a reference book. Results: The fourth and fifth characters added are the major modifications of the ICD-10 TM for the typing of an emotionally unstable personality disorder and treatment-resistant schizophrenia. However, we could not add any specific codes for patients dependent on amphetamine-type stimulant drugs. Discussion: The ICD-10 TM has now been widely used throughout the country since 2003, with informal feedback suggesting that it is useful. Further research needs to be conducted into its impact on clinical care in Thailand.