Personality in DSM-5: helping delineate personality disorder content and framing the metastructure.
The transition from the Diagnostic and Statistical Model of Mental Disorders (4th ed., text revision [DSM-IV-TR]; American Psychiatric  Association, 2000 ) to the fifth edition (DSM-5) represents an unprecedented opportunity to integrate dimensional personality trait models into the official nosology. Not surprisingly, a variety of issues have arisen in contemplating this challenging integration. In this article, we address how a dimensional personality trait model could be a helpful component of DSM-5, from the perspective of our roles as work group members and advisors involved in the creation of a trait model and corresponding assessment instrument. We focus in particular on two potential roles for a trait model in DSM-5 that are under official consideration. First, a dimensional personality trait model might be helpful in delineating the content of personality disorders. Second, a trait model might assist in organizing the "metastructure" of DSM-5 (i.e., the arrangement of chapters and other broader classificatory rubrics).
Psychology Department, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455–0344, USA. krueg038@umn.edu
Robert F
RF
Krueger
Nicholas R
NR
Eaton
Jaime
J
Derringer
Kristian E
KE
Markon
David
D
Watson
Andrew E
AE
Skodol
D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D006801:Humans; D008960:Models, Psychological; D010551:Personality; D010552:Personality Assessment; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology