Although many sections of DSM-III-R reflect few changes from DSM-III,
the diagnostic criteria for the personality disorders involve more
substantial revisions. This study examined the impact of DSM-III-R
revisions in terms of convergence with DSM-III, the diagnostic coverage of
patients with personality disorders, and the internal consistency of the
personality disorder criteria sets. The results demonstrated a substantial
divergence between DSM-III and DSM-III-R diagnoses, increased coverage
accompanied by a large increase in overlap among personality disorders, and
internal consistency estimates of DSM-III-R criterion sets comparable to
those in DSM-III.Abstract Teaser