Factor Structure of Self-Reported Clinical Disorders and Personality Disorders: A Review of the Existing Literature and a Factor Analytical Study

Objectives The aim of this research is to add to the current understanding of the latent factor structure of personality disorders by performing a review of the existing literature (Study 1) and a factor analytical study on the factor structure and the relationship between self‐reported Axis I and Axis II psychopathology (Study 2). Design The current research (Study 2) is cross‐sectional and multicenter. Results We found support for the assumption that the borderline personality disorder is a multidimensional construct. Second, we found evidence for a single‐factor structure of the narcissistic, dependent as well as the avoidant personality disorder. Third, we found support for the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM‐IV) distinction between Axis I and Axis II, Axis I psychopathology being explained by the factor neuroticism and Axis II disorders to be further subdivided into the higher order factors of internalizing and externalizing pathology. Conclusions An adaptation to the current DSM‐IV borderline personality criteria should be made, while various findings show that the borderline construct is multidimensional. Second, deletion of the dependent and narcissistic personality in the DSM‐V might be unjust. Third, Axis I psychopathology can be explained by the factor neuroticism, and Axis II disorders should be further subdivided into the higher order factors of internalizing and externalizing pathology.