Development and validation of a computerized screening test for personality disorders in DSM-III-R

The available self-report instruments designed to measure personality disorder (PD) are time-consuming to administer and/or score and can be impractical for routine clinical use. There is a need for a computerized method of personality assessment based on contemporary systems of classification. A computerized DSM-III-R-based questionnaire was developed and validated against the structured clinical interview for DSM-III-R Axis-II disorders on a sample of 60 subjects. The computerized test showed moderate validity as a diagnostic instrument (mean kappa coefficient=0.47). With adjusted cut-off scores it was valid as a screening instrument (mean sensitivity=0.87). Antisocial, borderline and avoidant PD scores were strongly correlated across measures and not subject to significant observer bias.