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“Patterns of comorbidity” among DSM-III-R and ICD-10 personality disorders as observed with a new inventory for the assessment of personality disorders

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Abstract

Although DSM-III-R and ICD-10 suggest the assignment of multiple personality diagnoses, a high degree of overlap may be an indicator of insufficiently distinct and too inclusive types of personality. We studied this problem with a new inventory in an unselected clinical sample. The Aachen List of Items for the Registration of Personality Disorders (AMPS) integrates the different types of disordered personality according to DSM-III-R, ICD-10, and four subaffective categories, which largely follow the typologies of Kracpelin, K. Schneider, and Kretschmer. The prevalence rate of each personality disorder was calculated in a consecutive group of 231 patients. Patterns of comorbidity were computed using odds ratios. More than one personality disorder was found in 41% according to DSM-III-R. ICD-10 showed a significantly higher degree of overlap. Interesting comorbidity patterns are discussed in comparison with several North American studies. Results indicate that clear-cut categorical personality diagnoses are not likely to be set up.

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  1. Psychiatrische Klinik der Medizinischen Fakultät der RWTH Aachen, D-52057, Aachen, Germany

    S. Herpertz, E. M. Steinmeyer & H. Saß

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  1. S. Herpertz
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  2. E. M. Steinmeyer
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  3. H. Saß
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Herpertz, S., Steinmeyer, E.M. & Saß, H. “Patterns of comorbidity” among DSM-III-R and ICD-10 personality disorders as observed with a new inventory for the assessment of personality disorders. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Nuerosci 244, 161–169 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02191892

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02191892

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