A Comparison of Three Self-Report Questionnaires for the Diagnosis of DSM-III Personality Disorders

Abstract

The diagnostic efficiency of three self-report questionnaires for personality disorder diagnosis (MMPI Personality Disorder scales, Millón Clinical Multiaxial Inventory, and Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire) was evaluated against a structured interview–based personality disorder diagnosis (Structured Interview for the DSM–III Personality Disorders). In general, all three tests were adequately sensitive and specific, with a positive predictive power of .60 and a negative predictive power of .89 for diagnosing any personality disorder. Complete results are reported for diagnosis of personality disorder clusters and individual personality disorders. The implications of using a self–report test for personality disorder diagnosis in lieu of a clinical interview are discussed.