A conceptualization of personality-related disorders of interpersonal behaviour with implications for treatment

This article highlights the problematic aspects with current definitions an d classifications of personality disorders. Because of the acknowledged dev elopmental nature of these disorders, a suggestion of an alternative concep tualization derived from a comprehensive interactional model of psychopatho logy is proposed. Attachment theory and its corollaries constitute the base for the reconceptualization of personality disorders in terms of personali ty-related disorders of interpersonal behaviour put forth in the article. S uch a reconceptualization appears to be in line with current clinical pract ice. It counteracts negative attitudes toward patients who are given a pers onality disorder label, and has important implications for treatment as wel l as for research. Copyright (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.