The DSM-IV dropped two diagnoses that made an
appearance in the DSM-III: the masochistic and the sadistic personality
disorders. But these are not the only differences between the two editions as
far as Axis II (personality disorders) goes.
The DSM-IV considerably expanded and updated the introductory text while
emphasizing dimensional models of personality and listing for the first time
some of the dimensions espoused by the more important models.
The long running dispute regarding the Antisocial Personality Disorder (is it
tantamount to the traditional understanding of psychopathy or is it a
completely different and new diagnosis?) has surfaced. The DSM-IV allows that
tests like the Psychopathy Check List (PCL) that rely on the original
perception and definition of what it is to be a psychopath better predict
recidivism in "settings where criminals acts are likely to be
nonspecific" (in other words, in prisons).
The DSM-IV flatly contradicts the misconception
widely held among clinicians and therapists that the prognosis for patients
with the Borderline Personality Disorder is bad. Borderline Personality
Disorder can frequently be successfully cured, insists the DSM-IV.
The DSM-IV Committee accepted that the definition of codependence in the
DSM-III was gender-biased and, therefore, that gender differences are artifactual. The text pertaining to the Dependent
Personality Disorder has been amended to remove culture-bound prejudices.
Finally, the DSM-IV is much clearer on the comorbidity
of the Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder with Anxiety Disorders, and
especially with the Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
Many additional Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Personality Disorders - click HERE!
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