The DSM-5 Alternative Model for Personality Disorders and Clinical Treatment: a Review

Purpose of review: The goal of the current paper is to review the DSM-5 Alternative Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD), with particular focus on treatment of personality pathology. We briefly outline limitations of the traditional personality disorder diagnostic system, then, review differences between it and the AMPD, and how the alternative model can be applied for intervention planning. Recent findings: Criterion A of the AMPD refers to the level of self and interpersonal impairment and is required for establishing the presence of a personality disorder diagnosis. Criterion B characterizes the nature of that diagnosis by virtue of maladaptive personality traits. Both criteria have been positioned as having important treatment value, particularly when considered jointly. Several publications illustrate the utility of the AMPD for streamlining assessment, case conceptualization, and treatment. Summary: The diagnosis of personality disorder with the AMPD provides information with direct utility for case conceptualization and treatment planning. We review the clinical utility of the AMPD. In addition, we highlight limitations in the literature related to the AMPD, with directions for future research aimed at improving understanding of the utility of the AMPD. We further situate our discussion of the AMPD within a broader scientific climate with focus on improvement of both personality and non-personality diagnosis, conceptualization, and treatment.