New findings have clarified the fundamental importance of personality in the development of psychopathology. It has for some time been noted that patients with clinical syndromes like depression frequently display personality disorders as well. More recently, studies have linked schizophrenia, bulimia, major depressive disorder, and social phobia to schizotypal, depressive, borderline, and avoidant personality disorders. Personality and Psychopathology supersedes any prior volume on the connection between psychopathology and personality traits. This reference compiles the most recent findings from more than 30 internationally recognized experts. It analyzes the association between personality and psychopathology from several interlocking perspectives—descriptive, developmental, etiological, and therapeutic—concluding that the association is strong and important, no matter what angle it is considered from. The book is divided into sections on clinical assessment, development and neurobiological and psychosocial causes, and treatment. Unlike similar works that focus predominantly on personality disorders, this text also deals with general psychopathology and its development, causes, and treatment. It successfully tackles five crucial questions: What is the role of personality in psychopathology? What is normal personality structure and development? What is a personality disorder? What causes good and bad personality development? What are the recommended treatments and the outcome of personality disorders? Complete with illustrative charts, this all-inclusive resource provides invaluable information on the link between personality and psychopathology.

Personality and Psychopathology provides a welcome, scholarly and informative snapshot of the fast-moving fields of personality theory and development, and of personality psychopathology and its treatment. Some of the most well-known researchers and clinicians in the area are contributors to the volume, and the scope of their subject matter includes personality structure and its longitudinal course; assessment of personality styles, dimensions, or disorders; and treatment and outcome of personality disorders. The book is packed with useful information and is highly recommended to all mental health clinicians.

This tersely written, yet broad-ranging volume illustrates that the subject of personality and psychopathology has grown rapidly in the past decade and now encompasses an impressive mix of carefully researched studies, clearly articulated theories, and well-documented applications to clinical practice. A roster of authoritative scholars and researchers illuminate the latest thinking on topics such as: What is normal personality? What is a personality disorder? What causes good and bad personality development? A number of papers derive their impetus from Dr. Cloninger's own elegant theory. One need not be a follower of Cloninger's model, however, to appreciate the depth of insight which he and his associates have brought to the study of personality disorders, a field that is now greatly enriched by this contribution to the literature. Theodore Millon, Ph.D., Dean and Scientific Director, Institute for Advanced Studies in Personality and Psychopathology, Coral Gables, Florida This multi-authored and well-edited volume is an important contribution to our understanding of the relationship of early childhood development and subsequent adult psychopathology. Research into personality assessment is well reviewed. Effects of genetic and psychosocial aspects of personality development are discussed and treatment outcome of personality disorders, from both a psychological and a pharmacological perspective, is presented. This comprehensive volume is an important contribution to our understanding of the role of personality, temperament and character and their relationships to the development of adult psychopathological disturbances. David L. Dunner, M.D., Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Director, Center for Anxiety and Depression, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington