Phenotypic and Genetic Structure of Traits Delineating Personality Disorder

The results support the following conclusions: first, the stable structure of traits across clinical and nonclinical samples is consistent with dimensional representations of personality disorders, and second, the higher-order traits of personality disorder strongly resemble dimensions of normal personality.

Abstract

The results support the following conclusions. First, the stable structure of traits across clinical and nonclinical samples is consistent with dimensional representations of personality disorders. Second, the higher-order traits of personality disorder strongly resemble dimensions of normal personality. This implies that a dimensional classification should be compatible with normative personality. Third, the residual heritability of the lower-order traits suggests that the personality phenotypes are based on a large number of specific genetic components.