Table 2.
Aspects of personality functioning that contribute to severity determination in Personality Disorder
| Degree and pervasiveness of disturbances in functioning of aspects of the self: ● Stability and coherence of one’s sense of identity (e.g., extent to which identity or sense of self is variable and inconsistent or overly rigid and fixed). ● Ability to maintain an overall positive and stable sense of self-worth. ● Accuracy of one’s view of one’s characteristics, strengths, limitations. ● Capacity for self-direction (ability to plan, choose, and implement appropriate goals). | |
| Degree and pervasiveness of interpersonal dysfunction across various contexts and relationships (e.g., romantic relationships, school/work, parent-child, family, friendships, peer contexts): ● Interest in engaging in relationships with others. ● Ability to understand and appreciate others’ perspectives. ● Ability to develop and maintain close and mutually satisfying relationships. ● Ability to manage conflict in relationships. | |
| Pervasiveness, severity, and chronicity of emotional, cognitive, and behavioral manifestations of the personality dysfunction: Emotional manifestations ○ Range and appropriateness of emotional experience and expression. ○ Tendency to be emotionally over- or underreactive. ○ Ability to recognize and acknowledge unwanted emotions (e.g., anger, sadness). Cognitive manifestations ○ Accuracy of situational and interpersonal appraisals, especially under stress. ○ Ability to make appropriate decisions in situations of uncertainty. ○ Appropriate stability and flexibility of belief systems. Behavioural manifestations ○ Flexibility in controlling impulses and modulating behaviour based on the situation and consideration of the consequences. ○ Appropriateness of behavioural responses to intense emotions and stressful circumstances (e.g., propensity to self-harm or violence). | |
| The extent to which the dysfunctions in the above areas are associated with distress or impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational or other important areas of functioning. |
Note. Adapted from the ICD-11 Clinical Descriptions and Diagnostic Guidelines for Personality Disorder