Using the five-factor model to represent the DSM-IV personality disorders: an expert consensus approach

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Psychiatry
• Personality Science

Background:

• The five-factor dimensional model (FFM) offers a dimensional approach to personality.
• Previous research has explored translating diagnostic criteria for personality disorders (PDs) into the FFM framework.
• A need exists for more comprehensive FFM descriptions of prototypic personality disorder cases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop detailed FFM descriptions of prototypic cases for each of the 10 DSM-IV personality disorders.
• To assess the agreement among experts in FFM translations of PD criteria.
• To demonstrate the FFM's utility in explaining the high comorbidity rates observed in PDs.

Main Methods:

• Experts in each of the 10 DSM-IV personality disorders rated prototypic cases using all 30 facets of the FFM.
• Data were aggregated across raters to generate a prototypic FFM profile for each disorder.
• Statistical analysis was used to assess agreement and the FFM's ability to reproduce comorbidity.

Main Results:

• High agreement was found among experts in their FFM ratings of prototypic PD cases.
• The FFM framework demonstrated good alignment with previous theoretical and empirical translations of DSM diagnostic criteria.
• The FFM successfully reproduced the high comorbidity rates among personality disorders.

Conclusions:

• The DSM personality disorders can be effectively understood through the dimensional lens of the FFM.
• Schizotypal personality disorder may require further investigation within the FFM framework.
• The developed FFM prototypes offer a valuable resource for future research, including diagnostic applications.