Empirical Evaluation and Clinical Relevance of a Dimensional Model for Personality Disorders in Later Life

What this Trial Is About

Research on personality disorders (PDs) in older adults is limited despite these disorders being common in this age group and often co-occurring with other mental and physical conditions. Current diagnostic criteria mainly fit younger adults, so this study evaluates new dimensional models for PDs called the Alternative Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD) and the ICD-11 approach. Researchers aim to assess if these models are appropriate and clinically relevant for older adults by comparing younger and older populations and studying older clinical patients. Participants include younger adults (18-64) and older adults (65+) from the general population who complete questionnaires. Older adults in clinical settings with various psychological conditions will also take questionnaires, and a smaller group will undergo clinical interviews. The study uses two main questionnaires: the LPFS-BF 2.0 measuring personality functioning, and the PID-5-BF+M measuring personality traits. Additional standard tests and clinical ratings will be collected in the clinical population. Participants will complete questionnaires in person, with some clinical participants providing informant reports from family or friends. Researchers will analyze questionnaire results for validity, age-neutrality, and clinical utility. The primary outcomes are scores from the PID-5-BF+M and LPFS-BF 2.0 collected about one month after admission, with clinical ratings and additional measures collected during hospitalization and follow-up. The study involves ongoing monitoring to understand PD structure and characteristics in older adults and improve care.

A Dimensional Model for Personality Disorders in Later Life