Personality pathology and personality disorder are ambiguous psychopathologic concepts, which represent a wide range of theoretical notions, both taxonomic and with regard to the underlying personality model. These theoretical notions are of paramount importance for an adequate operationalisation of specific concepts, the development of assessment instruments, and the interpretation of empirical data.

This article provides a review of the available assessment instruments and their theoretical origins. General psychometric problems are briefly discussed, using the experience of the author with the SIDP-R (a semi-structured interview for the assessment of DSM-III personality disorders). Special attention is drawn to the conceptual and empirical overlap of DSM-III personality disorders and the related questionable validity of the categorical structure of the DSM-III classification of personality disorders. Based on empirical evidence, a multi-dimensional approach to the classification of personality pathology and personality disorders is advocated. This approach is likely to be compatable with biological, interpersonal as well as psychodynamic personality models. The article ends with a systematic review of important research topics and research strategies in the field of personality pathology and personality disorders.

Readers are invited to collaborate with the author on an update of available instruments, including translations and revisions.