Pilot study on personality disorders evaluation.: Categorical DSM-IV vs. dimensional five factor models

Introduction: This paper evaluates the relationship between a dimensional method of personality assesment (five factor model) and a categorical one (DSM-IV). Methodology: Thirty-eight consecutive outpatients without Concurrent diagnosis of axis I, were assessed with the categorical instrument I.P.D.E.. (International Personality Disorders Examination) and the dimensional one B.F.Q. (Big-Five Questionnaire). Results: Extraversion differences were found among cluster and its components, Dominance and Dynamism. Extraversion, Dynamism, Cooperation and Persistence differences were found among personality disorders of cluster A. Personality disorders of cluster B were different in Mental Openness, Dynamism and Cooperation. Finally, Extraversion, Mental Openness, Dynamism, Cordiality Openness to culture and Openness to experience differences were found among personality disorder's of cluster C. Conclusions: This pilot study proposes the posibility of developing dimensional models to predict a possible personality disorder in future. Longitudinal studies with great samples are neccessary, to get this purpose, in where to be gathered a high percent from each personality disorder.