Personality functioning according to DSM-5: DPA and SCID-5-AMPD: Two perspectives for clinical utility

Abstract

In 2013, with the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder, an alternative section was introduced that enriched the evaluation of a dimensional aspect and this, in addition to the unleashing of criticism, has also stimulated many field and clinical researchers. In fact, during these years the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder-5 has favored the creation of diagnostic tools also for this alternative model. The focus of the attention regarding dimensionality is the Criterion A, where the Level of Personality Functioning Scale is proposed to define and evaluate the seriousness of the personality pathology. In the present work, we have chosen two points of view to evaluate the personality functioning as described by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder-5, through two different methods of data recording to give the opportunity to grasp aspects that might complete the clinical picture in a comprehensive way, for an assessment more and more efficient. On one hand, we used the Dimensional Personality Assessment Test, filled out directly by the patient in self-assessment; on the other hand, we used the structured clinical interview for the Level of Personality Functioning Scale - Module I, included in the Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder-5 Alternative Model for Personality Disorders, performed by the clinician to the patient. A clinical case is reported in which the results of both instruments showed convergence and marked the start of a research project.