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A profile analysis of personality disorders: beyond multiple diagnoses
K Nakao1, J Takaishi, K Tatsuta
1Department of Psychiatry, Osaka University Medical School, Japan. nakao@psy.med.osaka-u.ac.jp
Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences
|August 25, 1999
Summary
This study identified eight personality pathology typologies using cluster analysis and multidimensional scaling. Findings suggest refining current classification systems for personality disorders by incorporating hierarchical or dimensional models with severity ratings.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Personality pathology presents complex diagnostic challenges.
- Current classification systems for personality disorders require refinement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To apply cluster analysis and multidimensional scaling to identify typologies and dimensions of personality pathology.
- To propose revisions to current personality disorder classification systems.
Main Methods:
- Cluster analysis was used to identify patient typologies.
- Multidimensional scaling was employed to determine classification dimensions.
- Analysis included data from 59 patients with personality pathology.
Main Results:
- Eight distinct patient typologies were identified: detached, anankastic, phobic, dramatic, erratic, emotional, milder emotional, and masochistic negativistic.
- Key classification dimensions included anxious rumination vs. behavioral acting out, overall severity, and assertiveness vs. withdrawal.
- The study distinguished between personality disorder and abnormal personality.
Conclusions:
- Proposed revisions include hierarchical or dimensional models for personality disorder classification.
- A dimensional severity rating for psychopathology is recommended to define personality 'disorder'.