The authors examine the DSM-III distinction between schizoid and
avoidant personality disorders. This distinction is based on Millon's
biosocial learning theory and his interpretation of Kretschmer's
personality types. The authors argue that this separation of a continuous
distribution is historically misconceived and serves to obscure the
significant features of schizoid personality. They examine Kretschmer's
conceptualization of schizoid personality for the implications it carries
for the development of a classification of personality disorder, suggesting
that Kretschmer's approach implies a "polythetic" model of personality
disorder that conceptualizes disorders as categories of dimensions.Abstract Teaser