ABSTRACT
The purpose of this chapter is to give an introduction to what personality disorders are and what differentiates them from personality. The hallmark of personality disorders is the enduring pattern of disturbed interpersonal relationships and conflicted self. Extensive evidence suggests that individuals with personality disorders are at substantially elevated risk for a wide range of adverse outcomes. The current version of the DSM distinguishes ten supposedly discrete personality disorders which are discussed and illustrated with case vignettes. In the current version of the DSM-5 these personality disorders are grouped into three clusters: A – the odd and eccentric, B – the dramatic and emotional, and C – the anxious and fearful ones. Besides other classification systems as the ICD-11, the research agenda of the DSM-5 for the Alternative Model of Personality Disorders is discussed. The fundamental difference between the categorical and dimensional approach and future directions as the network theory of psychopathology are reviewed.
