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Validity of self-defeating personality disorder
A E Skodol1, J M Oldham, P E Gallaher
1Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York.
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|April 1, 1994
Summary
This study found limited evidence supporting self-defeating personality disorder as a distinct diagnosis in the DSM-III-R. The criteria showed fair consistency but did not strongly validate it as a separate category.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Mental Health Diagnostics
Background:
- The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition-Revised (DSM-III-R) included self-defeating personality disorder.
- Assessing the empirical validity of personality disorder constructs is crucial for diagnostic refinement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the validity of the self-defeating personality disorder construct as defined in the DSM-III-R.
- To examine the reliability and diagnostic utility of its associated criteria.
Main Methods:
- 100 patients seeking personality disorder treatment and 100 seeking psychoanalysis were assessed.
- Clinicians used the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R and the Personality Disorder Examination.
- Evaluated internal consistency, inter-rater agreement, diagnostic efficiency, prevalence, comorbidity, and demographic correlates.
Main Results:
- Fair internal consistency and agreement were found for self-defeating personality disorder criteria.
- Key discriminating criteria involved choices leading to negative outcomes and rejection of pleasure.
- Significant comorbidity with borderline, dependent, and mood disorders was observed.
Conclusions:
- The findings provide limited support for self-defeating personality disorder as a standalone diagnostic category.
- Further research is needed to clarify its nosological status within personality disorders.