Journal Article

An Empirically-Based Classification of Personality Disorder

Livesley, W. John

2011

Overview

An empirically-based classification is proposed based on studies of the phenotypic structure and genetic architecture of personality disorder. The proposed system has two parts: (1) a definition of general personality disorder, and (2) a system for diagnosing different forms of disorder. General personality disorder is conceptualized as a pervasive disturbance in the overall structure and organization of the personality system that is manifested as the failure to establish a coherent self-system and the capacity for adaptive interpersonal and social behavior. Different forms of disorder are represented by a dimensional system consisting of 30 primary traits organized into four higher-order domains. The system is intended to offer a systematic and comprehensive diagnosis of personality disorder for clinical and research purposes. It is also intended to be used in a flexible but prescribed way to provide a diagnostic assessment tailored to different assessment needs.

• Publisher: Guilford Press
• Subject: Classification / Clinical research / Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders / Diagnostic tests / Disorders / Environmental Influences / Evidence / Factor Structure / Failure / Genetics / Humans / Individual Differences / Medical diagnosis / Needs assessment / Personality / Personality - classification / Personality Assessment / Personality disorders / Personality Disorders - classification / Personality Disorders - diagnosis / Personality Disorders - psychology / Personality Problems / Personality Traits / Psychopathology / Social behavior / Social factors