Nothing About Us Without Us: Centering Lived Experience as the AMPD Moves Forward.

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology
• Mental Health Research

Background:

• The Alternative Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD) is nearing DSM inclusion.
• Research has largely ignored the perspectives of individuals diagnosed with personality disorders.
• Current diagnostic language, like "manipulativeness," is perceived as stigmatizing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for the integration of lived experience into AMPD evaluation.
• To explore the potential of AMPD's Criterion A for reducing diagnostic stigma.
• To propose research priorities for incorporating patient perspectives into AMPD development.

Main Methods:

• Commentary and synthesis of existing research.
• Analysis of diagnostic terminology and its impact.
• Review of lived experience accounts and emerging research.
• Consideration of the ICD-11 "personality difficulty" category.

Main Results:

• Lived experience accounts suggest AMPD's Criterion A may be less stigmatizing.
• Certain AMPD trait terms are perceived as highly stigmatizing.
• The ICD-11 "personality difficulty" category shows potential for clinical and destigmatizing use.

Conclusions:

• Integrating lived experience is essential for refining AMPD's diagnostic language and reducing stigma.
• AMPD's focus on personality functioning may offer a less stigmatizing framework.
• Further research is needed to incorporate patient perspectives into AMPD evaluation and potentially adopt elements from the ICD-11.