Personality disorders in DSM-III -some current controversies

Kullgren G. Personality disorders in DSM-III - some current controversies. Nord Psykiatr Tidsskr 1988;42:35–38.Since the introduction in DSM-III (1980) of a separate axis II of personality disorders, defined by diagnostic criteria, there has been a renewed interest in this field. Several controversies are embedded in the concept of personality disorders. Is a dimensional or a categorical concept preferable? Should the concepts be mutually exclusive or is overlap between different personality disorders justified? Are. the present personality disorders in DSM-III reliable and clinically meaningful diagnostic concepts? These issues and some other current controversies concerning personality disorders are discussed in the light of recent research presented at the annual meeting of the American Psychiatric Association in Chicago, May 1987. The major changes introduced in axis II of DSM-III-R (1987) are presented.DSM-III, Personality disorders, Reliability, Validity.