Toward an empirically based classification of personality pathology

A number of investigations have utilized factor analysis or similar data analytic methods to examine the empirical validity of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders classification system of Axis II personality pathology. This article reviews analyses of the Axis II cluster structure and the latent structure of individual personality disorder criteria. Overall, these studies do not provide sound empirical support for the current personality disorder organization described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. They highlight the need for identifying the latent dimensions of personality pathology in order to create a different representation that would more accurately correspond to both a theoretical and functional model of personality disorder. Preliminary research identifying consensus across datasets is summarized. Clinical implications of these findings and future directions for research on personality pathology are discussed.