DSM-IV and ICD-10 both diagnose personality disorders categorically, yet studies indicate that many patients meet criteria for an excessive number of diagnoses, raising the question of whether personality disorders are discrete conditions or rather distinctions along dimensions of general personality functioning. This collection of papers renews long-standing proposals for a dimensional model of personality disorder, describing alternative models, addressing questions about their clinical application and utility, and suggesting that future research seek to integrate such models within a common hierarchical structure.

With contributions by preeminent researchers in the field, "Dimensional Models of Personality Disorders" is drawn from a conference series convened by APA, WHO, and NIH in order to plan for the fifth edition of the DSM. The Nomenclature Work Group concluded that consideration should be given to basing part or all of DSM-V on dimensions rather than categories, and recommended that a dimensional model for personality disorders should serve as a basis for exploring dimensional approaches in other areas. Accordingly, the volume opens with a presentation of 18 proposals for dimensional models and proceeds with provocative contributions on a number of related issues ranging from hard science to clinical practice. Among the topics addressed are Behavioral and molecular genetic research supporting an etiologically informed dimensional classification of personality disorders The as-yet tenuous associations between dimensional trait measures of personality as contained in the models of Cloninger, Depue, and Siever-Davis, and specific neurobiological measures, as examined inneurotransmitter research Potential links between childhood and adolescent temperament and personality dimensions and adult personality psychopathology Studies examining the covariation of personality dimensions across cultures The continuity of Axis I and Axis II disorders and a proposed hierarchical structure of mental disorders that integrates the psychopathology of Axis I disorders with specific personality traits The dual challenges of coverage and cutoffs that must be addressed if dimensional models are to be considered viable alternatives to the existing categorical diagnostic system

Although the editors acknowledge that concerns are certain to be raised regarding conversion to a dimensional classification& mdash;such as the disruption to clinical practice by a radical shift in diagnosing personality disorder& mdash;these papers make a strong case for opening the field to alternative ways of enhancing clinical utility and improving the validity of basic classification concepts. Together, they offer stimulating insight into how we approach personality disorders, with the hope of encouraging a new model of diagnosis for DSM-V.

The Five Factor Model, which measures individual differences on extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, emotional stability, and openness to experience, is arguably the most prominent dimensional model of general personality structure. In fact, there is now a considerable body of research supporting its construct validity and practical application in clinical, health, and organizational settings. Taking this research to the forefront, The Oxford Handbook of the Five Factor Model showcases the work of expert researchers in the field as they each offer important insight and perspective on all that is known about the Five Factor Model to date. By establishing the origins, foundation, and predominance of the Five Factor Model, this Handbook will focus on such areas as construct validity, diagnosis and assessment, personality neuroscience, and how the Five Factor Model operates in business and industry, animal personality, childhood temperament, and clinical utility.

Since the second edition of this authoritative text was published in 2002, the research base supporting the Five-Factor Model (FFM) of personality disorder has more than quadrupled. As a result, the vast majority of this volume is new. In the upcoming fifth edition of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), the major innovation for the personality disorders will likely be a shift from the classic syndrome-based approach to a dimensional description approach. The new approach views personality disorder as a collection of maladaptive variants of normal personality traits. Whether a clinical disorder is present depends on whether an individual experiences significant functional impairment. Because this approach allows clinicians to describe each patient in terms of the personality traits most relevant to his/her experiences and dysfunction, the result is a more accurate diagnosis and more effective treatment. This book explains how personality disorders can be understood from the perspective of the FFM, the most heavily researched and empirically supported dimensional model of general personality structure. The chapters summarise the conceptual and empirical support for the FFM, including the dimensional description of specific personality disorders and the application of the model for assessment and treatment. Case studies are also provided. The volume is an essential reference for clinicians, researchers, and graduate students who work with personality disorders. No other currently published text is as fully informed or as closely coordinated with the likely forthcoming DSM-V personality disorder nomenclature.