The Structure of Genetic and Environmental Risk Factors for DSM-IV Personality Disorders

Abstract

Twin studies have provided increasing evidence that genetic factors are of etiologic importance for individual personality disorders (PDs).^1-5 While efforts have begun to clarify the degree to which genetic and environmental risk factors are shared across PDs, such investigations have been limited to self-report instruments that do not directly assess Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fourth Edition) (DSM-IV) PDs⁶ or to the PDs within the 3 DSM-IV PD clusters (A [“odd/eccentric”], B [“dramatic”], and C [“anxious”]).^7-9