Psychodiagnostics and Indications for Treatment in Cases of Personality Disorder

Abstract

Discusses the problems which present themselves during the diagnosis and assessment of the symptoms of personality disorders in a clinical setting. Just how the clinician should proceed, which instruments may be particularly helpful, and the problems which can arise on this front are also considered. According to the authors, the distinction between DSM Axis I and Axis II disorders are difficult to make in actual practice, which creates an immense problem that confronts clinicians at the level of diagnosis. The authors highlight the clinical judgement processes of actuarial versus clinical prediction in diagnosing personality disorders. It is suggested that most clinicians have an exaggerated degree of trust in their clinical judgement. Developing techniques, such as structured interviews and questionnaires, should be used to support and supplement clinical judgement. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved) (Source: chapter)