Assessing the DSM–5 Levels of Personality Functioning: Development and Psychometric Evaluation of the Brief Semi-Structured Interview for DSM-5 Personality Functioning (BSSIDPF)

Abstract

Background and purpose: The Fifth Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) offers an alternative model of personality disorders (PD) in section III alongside the categorical model in section II. In the alternative model of PD the presence of impairment in personality functioning (criterion A) and maladaptive personality traits (criterion B) are essential for diagnosis. There are no official tools for evaluating personality functioning and some current tools developed in Western cultures are taking considerable time. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a Brief Semi-Structured Interview for DSM-5 Personality Functioning (BSSIDPF) according to Iranian culture and evaluating its psychometric propertis. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional research was conducted in preliminary and final stages in 34 and 346 individuals, respectively. Participants were selected by convenience sampling in Tehran, Iran 2015-2016. Data were collected using Semi-Structured Interview-Breif Form for DSM-5 Personality Functioning (BSSIDPF), SCID-II-PQ, and NEO-FFI. Data were then and analyzed applying t-test, Cronbach's alpha, and correlation. Results: The scores for inter-rater reliability in personality functioning, identity, self-direction, intimacy, and empathy were 0.94, 0.96, 0.84, and 0.81, respectively (P= 0.01). The Cronbach alpha ranged from 0.81 (intimacy) to 0.89 (self-direction). Conclusion: Brief semi-structured interview for DSM-5 personality functioning was found to have good psychometric properties which could be used in clinical and research settings in Iranian population.

Keywords

• personality disorder
• dsm-5
• alternative model
• personality functioning
• brief semi-structured interview