Is procrastination officially recognized as a distinct and diagnosable mental illness, with its own specific diagnostic criteria, in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), currently the DSM-5-TR, or the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), specifically the ICD-11? If not, are there any specific conditions related to executive function, anxiety, or other mental health areas listed in either the DSM or ICD that might account for symptoms commonly associated with procrastination, and how would those be diagnosed and differentiated from “typical” procrastination? Furthermore, has there been significant research suggesting procrastination should be classified as a mental disorder in future editions of the DSM or ICD, and what evidence supports that argument?

Answer

Procrastination is not officially recognized as a mental illness in either the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) or the International Classification of Diseases (ICD).

However, chronic and pervasive procrastination can be a symptom or manifestation of underlying mental health conditions such as:

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Difficulty with executive functions like planning, organization, and task initiation can lead to procrastination.

• Anxiety Disorders: Fear of failure, perfectionism, and worry about performance can cause avoidance and procrastination. Social anxiety can also contribute if the task involves interaction with others.

• Depressive Disorders: Low motivation, lack of energy, and feelings of hopelessness can make it difficult to start or complete tasks, resulting in procrastination.

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Obsessions about perfection or intrusive thoughts and compulsions can interfere with task completion and lead to procrastination.

• Personality Disorders: Certain personality traits, such as those seen in avoidant or obsessive-compulsive personality disorders, can contribute to procrastination.

While not a formal diagnosis in itself, excessive procrastination can significantly impair a person’s daily functioning, relationships, and overall well-being. In these cases, a mental health professional might assess the underlying causes of the procrastination and provide treatment for any co-occurring mental health conditions. Treatment approaches may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), time management techniques, and, if appropriate, medication to address underlying conditions like ADHD or anxiety.