Personality Disorders – A Dimensional Approach

Personality disorders (PDs) have traditionally been conceptualized as categorical diagnoses within major diagnostic systems such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). However, growing empirical evidence suggests that dimensional models of personality pathology provide greater validity, reliability, and clinical utility. This paper presents an expanded analytical review of personality disorders from a dimensional perspective, emphasizing the limitations of categorical models and the advantages of trait-based frameworks. Drawing on contemporary psychometric theory, the Five-Factor Model (FFM), and the Alternative DSM-5 Model for Personality Disorders (DSM-5-AMPD), the study explores personality pathology as maladaptive extremes of normal personality traits. Clinical, neurobiological, and treatment implications are discussed, highlighting how dimensional models enhance diagnosis, case formulation, and personalized intervention.