Relating DSM-5 section III personality traits to section II personality disorder diagnoses.

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Mental Health

Background:

• The DSM-5 proposed a hybrid dimensional/categorical model for personality disorders, combining core functioning impairments with problematic traits.
• Six personality disorder diagnoses were retained: antisocial, avoidant, borderline, narcissistic, obsessive-compulsive, and schizotypal.
• The study aimed to empirically link DSM-5 Section III pathological traits with DSM-IV/DSM-5 Section II personality disorder diagnoses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the empirical relationships between DSM-5 Section III pathological traits and DSM-IV/DSM-5 Section II personality disorder diagnoses.
• To assess the incremental validity of core personality dysfunctions when combined with specific trait clusters.

Main Methods:

• Data collected from 337 clinicians rating one patient each on the DSM-IV and DSM-5 proposed alternative model.
• Regression models used to examine trait-disorder relationships.
• Incremental validity of criterion A features examined alongside specified trait clusters.

Main Results:

• Trait assignments in the DSM-5 alternative model were substantially associated with corresponding DSM-IV concepts.
• Criterion A features provided additional diagnostic information in most cases.
• The hybrid model demonstrated significant empirical support.

Conclusions:

• The DSM-5 Section III alternative model offers a different taxonomic structure for personality disorders.
• Associations between the alternative model and traditional diagnoses allow for rendering traditional concepts using the new framework.
• The integration of pathological traits and core functioning impairments supports the utility of the DSM-5 alternative model.