Veränderungen in der Diagnostik von Persönlichkeitsstörungen in der ICD-11

The introduction of the 11th revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-11) is accompanied by a significant change in the diagnostic approach to personality disorders. The introduction of the new system is associated with the hope of overcoming many limitations of the previous categorical systems, such as the low validity of the diagnostic categories. Furthermore, the clinical usefulness in terms of the indications and treatment planning for clinicians and patients should be greatly improved, e.g., treatment targets can be directly derived from the assessment of the personality functions (such as the ability for regulation of emotions). The article provides an overview of the structure and content of the new diagnostic system and uses a case study to illustrate the possibilities of the practical application of the new ICD-11 criteria. The article concludes with a brief overview of currently available German language instruments for assessing personality functions and traits as well as an initial assessment of their clinical usefulness based on initial empirical studies.