Dimensional Models of Personality Disorders: Refining the Research Agenda for DSM-V
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Author: Thomas A. Widiger
Publisher: American Psychiatric Publishing
Paperback:
ISBN 10: 0890422966
ISBN 13: 978-0890422960
DSM-IV and ICD-10 both diagnose personality disorders categorically, yet studies indicate that many patients meet criteria for an excessive number of diagnoses, raising the question of whether personality disorders are discrete conditions or rather distinctions along dimensions of general personality functioning. This collection of papers renews long-standing proposals for a dimensional model of personality disorder, describing alternative models, addressing questions about their clinical application and utility, and suggesting that future research seek to integrate such models within a common hierarchical structure.
With contributions by preeminent researchers in the field, Dimensional Models of Personality Disorders is drawn from a conference series convened by APA, WHO, and NIH in order to plan for the fifth edition of the DSM. The Nomenclature Work Group concluded that consideration should be given to basing part or all of DSM-V on dimensions rather than categories, and recommended that a dimensional model for personality disorders should serve as a basis for exploring dimensional approaches in other areas. Accordingly, the volume opens with a presentation of 18 proposals for dimensional models and proceeds with provocative contributions on a number of related issues ranging from hard science to clinical practice. Among the topics addressed are - Behavioral and molecular genetic research supporting an etiologically informed dimensional classification of personality disorders- The as-yet tenuous associations between dimensional trait measures of personality as contained in the models of Cloninger, Depue, and Siever-Davis, and specific neurobiological measures, as examined in neurotransmitter research- Potential links between childhood and adolescent temperament and personality dimensions and adult personality psychopathology- Studies examining the covariation of personality dimensions across cultures- The continuity of Axis I and Axis II disorders and a proposed hierarchical structure of mental disorders that integrates the psychopathology of Axis I disorders with specific personality traits- The dual challenges of coverage and cutoffs that must be addressed if dimensional models are to be considered viable alternatives to the existing categorical diagnostic system
Although the editors acknowledge that concerns are certain to be raised regarding conversion to a dimensional classification -- such as the disruption to clinical practice by a radical shift in diagnosing personality disorder -- these papers make a strong case for opening the field to alternative ways of enhancing clinical utility and improving the validity of basic classification concepts. Together, they offer stimulating insight into how we approach personality disorders, with the hope of encouraging a new model of diagnosis for DSM-V.
Review
"Clinicians with a serious interest in problems of psychiatric diagnosis in general, or in regard to personality disorders in particular, will find this volume illuminating."& mdash; "The journal of nervous and mental disease," "February 2008"
"I enthusiastically recommend [ "Dimensional Models of Personality Disorders"] to all people with an interest in the intersection of personality and disorder, be they clinicians, researchers, or students."-- "PsycCRITIQUES", "June 13, 2007"
"Clinicians with a serious interest in problems of psychiatric diagnosis in general, or in regard to personality disorders in particular, will find this volume illuminating."-- "The journal of nervous and mental disease", "February 2008"
From the Inside Flap
Are personality disorders discrete conditions or rather distinctions along dimensions of general personality functioning? This collection of papers renews long-standing proposals for incorporating a dimensional model of personality disorder within the next DSM. It describes alternative models, addresses questions regarding their clinical application and utility, and suggests that future research seek to integrate such models within a common hierarchical structure.
Drawn from a planning conference for DSM-V, Dimensional Models of Personality Disorders opens with a presentation of 18 proposals for dimensional approaches and proceeds with provocative contributions on a number of related issues ranging from hard science to clinical practice. The topics covered include molecular genetic research, neurobiological dimensional models of personality, and broad-spectrum developmental antecedents of adult personality disorders. In considering such a major revision to the DSM, the volume addresses not only the separation of clinical and personality disorders across Axes I and II but also the challenges of coverage and cutoffs that must be addressed if dimensional models are to be considered as viable alternatives to categorical diagnosis. Although the editors acknowledge that concerns are certain to be raised regarding a conversion to dimensional classification, these papers make a strong case for opening the field to alternative ways of enhancing clinical utility and improving the validity of basic classification concepts.
About the Author
Thomas A. Widiger, Ph.D., is professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky.
Erik Simonsen, M.D., is Chief Psychiatrist at Roskilde County Hospital Fjorden and Medical Director at the Institute of Personality Theory and Psychopathology in Roskilde, Denmark.
Paul J. Sirovatka, M.S., is Associate Director for Research at the American Psychiatric Institute for Research and Education and the Division of Research at the American Psychiatric Association in Washington, D.C.
Darrel A. Regier, M.D., M.P.H., is Executive Director of the American Psychiatric Institute for Research and Education and Director of the Division of Research at the American Psychiatric Association in Washington, D.C.