The typology of personality disorders--diagnostic problems and their relevance for suicidal behavior

Personality disorders (PD) play an important role in clinical psychiatry. The typologies of personality disorders (PDs) found in different classification systems, such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), are quite congruent. There are many methodological problems with reliability and validity of the diagnosis of PD. However, having a typology seems to be very helpful. Recent psychological autopsy studies reported that about one third of suicide victims met the criteria for a PD. Antisocial PD, borderline PD, narcissistic PD, and depressive PD in particular were often clinically associated with suicidal behavior.