The factor structure of self-report DSM-III axis II symptoms and their relationship to clinicians' ratings

Abstract

A factor analysis of the entire item set of the DSM-III criteria was conducted to determine the extent to which the factors that emerged corresponded to the 11 personality disorders and three clusters included in DSM-III. Data were obtained from 552 patients who completed a self-report personality questionnaire and from 287 psychiatrists who rated their patients. Eleven questionnaire factors emerged that had eigenvalues greater than one, and at least three items emerged with factor loadings greater than 0.40. A correlational and multiple regression analysis of the questionnaire factors and clinicians' ratings showed few strong relationships between the factors and the 11 personality disorders but good correspondence with the three clusters.