Question

Can you describe two dimensional model proposals that have been put forth in order to replace the current system of diagnosing someone with a personality disorder?  

Answer 1

As per the categorical classification (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental disorder, DSM-5) system of current diagnostic system for personality disorder: A person is considered to either have the disorder, or not have the disorder.

According to the alternative diagnosis, the model includes two dimensions:

Criterion A: A level of personality functioning:

Comprises of four aspects of personality functioning-

A normal individual, having very little or no impairment	An impaired individual
1. Identity: Individual’s knowledge or awareness of self
a. Can recognize the unique characteristics about themselves and can appraise these characteristics correctly. b. Sense of own boundaries. c. Can tolerate and regulate full range of emotions.	a. Have difficulties in sense of self, in varying degrees. Inaccurate or distorted awareness. b. Lack of or confused about boundaries with others. c. Rapidly shifting emotions. Difficulty in regulating or tolerating emotions.
2. Empathy: Ability to understand and consider another individual’s thoughts, feelings, beliefs, motivations, experiences
3. Intimacy: Desire and ability to form close, meaningful, caring, reciprocal relationships
a. Have desire or skills to maintain multiple satisfying relationships. b. Show mutual-cooperation, c. Have ability to respond in sensitive and respectful manner	a. Lack desire or skills to maintain multiple satisfying relationships. b. Connection with others are superficial, lack reciprocity. c. Cooperation with others for personal gain.
4. Self-direction: Internal ability to establish and achieve reasonable expectation of themselves, in terms of personal goals and personal conduct
a. Can reflect on their own internal experiences, b. Have appraisal of strength and weaknesses, c. Are self-directed. b. Attain satisfaction and fulfillment in life.	a. May have become excessively preoccupied with personal goals or may lack goals entirely. b. Lack self-motivation. c. Have limited or no reflection of their internal processes. d. Meaning of life becomes pointless or dangerous.

Criterion B: Pathological personality traits.

• Personality traits can be described as the tendency or disposition to behave in a specific manner.
• Traits are considered to be stable across time or situations.
• Personality traits may vary in form of a continuum ranging from, healthy and adaptive side to polar, unhealthy and maladaptive side.

The five broad personality domains or five factor model of personality, described as “The big Five”:

1. Negative affect:

• Emotional lability
• Hostility
• Separation Anxiety
• Anxious
• Preservation
• Submissive

2. Detachment

• Withdrawal
• Intimacy avoidance
• Depression
• Anhedonia
• Restricted emotional range
• Suspicions

3. Antagonism

• Hostility
• Manipulative
• Grandiosity
• Attention seeking
• Callous
• Deceitful

4. Disinhibition

• Irresponsibility
• Impulsive
• Distractibility
• Risk taking
• Rigid perfectionism

5. Psychotism

• Eccentric
• Unusual beliefs and experiences
• Cognitive