Testing for personality disorders is usually used as part of a comprehensive assessment. These challenges are characterized by enduring patterns of behavior, cognition, and inner experience that deviate significantly from cultural expectations. They, therefore, cause distress or impairment in various areas of life. There isn’t a single definitive personality disorders test. However, a combination of methods is typically used to evaluate an individual’s traits, behaviors, and emotions. We can do a variety of assessments, as you can see from the examples at the end of this post, including an antisocial personality disorder test battery and a narcissistic personality disorder test battery.
We welcome you to be in touch for more information about how these evaluations could help you, but first, here is some general information.
Personality Disorders We Test For
The diagnoses we can conduct a personality disorders test for include:
- Antisocial: Persistent disregard for the rights of others, impulsivity, deceitfulness, and a lack of remorse for actions that harm others (an example of an antisocial personality disorder test battery is at the end of this post)
- Borderline (BPD): Characterized by unstable relationships, self-image, and emotions, with impulsivity and recurrent suicidal behaviors or self-harming tendencies (We cover this is more detail in a separate post).
- Narcissistic: Features a grandiose sense of self-importance, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others (an example of a narcissistic personality disorder test battery is at the end of this post).
- Avoidant: Involves feelings of inadequacy, hypersensitivity to negative evaluation, and avoidance of social interaction due to fear of rejection or criticism.
- Dependent: Characterized by an excessive need to be taken care of, leading to submissive and clinging behavior.
- Obsessive-Compulsive: Involves preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control at the expense of flexibility, openness, and efficiency.
Each diagnosis manifests differently, and individuals may exhibit varying traits from multiple ones. An assessment can help elucidate that.
Testing for Personality Disorders: Initial Steps
The following steps are taken to determine how to assemble a personality disorders test battery.
Testing for Personality Disorders, Clinical Interviews
We conduct a thorough interview to gather information about your thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and personal history. This helps identify patterns that may indicate a challenge. It also helps us ensure that there is enough chance that you have a challenge that will make testing for personality disorders worthwhile. We might ask you to consult any relevant information you have, such as prior evaluations, school records, medical records, and information you gathered from a therapist.
Background Information
This step may also include gathering information from family members, friends, or other people close to you who can provide additional perspectives on you. This step is entirely up to you, and we will get your permission first.
We may also explore whether there are other records we should get, from educational records from when you were in school to medical reports. Certain medical conditions can mimic or exacerbate symptoms, so the medical information can help rule out any underlying physical causes.
Personality Disorders Test Battery
The testing for personality disorders is uniquely tailored to everything we discovered in the last step and your questions and concerns. It generally consists of:
Testing for Personality Disorders, Self-reports
Self-report questionnaires are used to assess personality traits and patterns. An example is the SCID (Structured Clinical Interview for DSM Disorders), a widely used diagnostic tool that follows ICD-10 criteria.
Personality Disorders Test Choices
We use several assessments to diagnose and assess personality disorders. Here are a few common ones:
- Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI): This self-report personality disorders test assesses various constructs and psychopathology, including potential indicators of personality disorders. It is the test we most commonly use as a starting point.
- Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI): The MCMI is a psychological assessment tool designed to provide information on traits and psychopathology, including indicators of personality disorders.
- Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI): Although not explicitly a personality disorders test, the MMPI is a widely used psychological assessment tool that can help identify traits and psychopathology that might indicate the presence of a diagnosis.
- The Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire (PDQ): A self-report personality disorders test designed to screen for various diagnoses.
- Projective Tests: We might also do projective tests like the Rorschach inkblot and Thematic Apperception Test (TAT Test) to gather deeper insights into an individual’s underlying thoughts and emotions, potentially indicating traits associated with personality disorders. We also use projective drawing tests like the house-tree-person.
Testing for Personality Disorders: Final Steps
Based on the personality disorders test results so far, we might take another step: We may ask you to self-observe your behaviors, emotional reactions, and interactions in various contexts. This data can help provide insights into your real-life traits and how you relate to others. Sometimes, we might ask you to have a family member make these observations or at least share their experience observing you when facing challenges or obstacles.
Finally, we might add a personality disorders test based on any holes in the collected data. We may also add others if we suspect other issues, such as anxiety or depression, are at work.
Testing for Personality Disorders: Formulation
After all of the data is collected in the above steps, we formulate a report that not only suggests whether you meet the criteria but also gives suggestions and advice about maximizing your strengths, overcoming challenges, and developing coping strategies. To formulate the personality disorders test report, we take the following steps:
Testing for Personality Disorders: Diagnostic Criteria
We use the criteria outlined in the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) published by the World Health Organization. This manual provides standardized criteria for diagnosing mental health conditions. Thus, your diagnosis, if you have one, is not subjective. Instead, it matches the exact symptoms outlined in the manual.
Duration and Patterns
These challenges are characterized by enduring patterns of behavior and inner experience that deviate significantly from cultural norms and cause distress or impairment. Our assessment aims to establish whether these patterns have been consistently present. In other words, we will not diagnose one if your symptoms are episodic or transient; in these cases, we might consider other challenges, such as anxiety or depression, that can wax and wane.
Cultural Considerations
Cultural norms and values can influence the expression of traits. When testing, we always consider cultural factors to avoid misdiagnosis due to cultural differences.
Diagnostic Criteria
Personality disorders are diagnosed based on specific criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). We will compare your symptoms and behaviors to these criteria to determine if a diagnosis is warranted. Then, we will provide much more information about your specific symptom profile and ways you can overcome any roadblocks or challenges they present.
Testing for Personality Disorders Process
The following is the general process we use when testing for personality disorders. You can also see below for an antisocial personality disorder test battery and a narcissistic personality disorder test example.
Clinical Interview
The first step in the assessment is usually a thorough clinical interview. During this interview, we will gather information about your history, symptoms, behaviors, and past or present mental health concerns.
Testing for Personality Disorders Self-Report Inventories
When we conduct a personality disorders test, we use self-report questionnaires, and inventories may be administered to gather information about your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. These inventories are designed to assess specific symptoms and traits. Examples include the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) and the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI).
Structured Clinical Interviews
Structured clinical interviews, such as the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM Disorders (SCID), are often used to systematically assess the presence of these challenges. These interviews follow a standardized format and ask specific questions to elicit information relevant to the diagnosis.
Observational Assessment and Collateral Information
Observing your behavior in various settings can provide valuable information about your traits and patterns of functioning. We may conduct observations during the evaluation or have you gather information from collateral sources such as family members or friends if you are comfortable. Information from collateral sources, such as family members, friends, or previous treatment providers, can provide additional insight into your functioning and help corroborate self-reported symptoms.
Psychological Testing for Personality Disorders
Psychological tests may be used to assess specific aspects of personality, cognitive functioning, or emotional regulation. For example, assessments of executive functioning or emotional intelligence may be administered to supplement the assessment process.
Antisocial Personality Disorder Test Case Example
Background:
Alex Parker, a 28-year-old male, was referred for this antisocial personality disorder test battery after multiple encounters with law enforcement. He grew up in a troubled household marked by neglect and parental substance abuse. Teachers described him as a defiant and disruptive student who often bullied peers and disobeyed authority figures.
Behavioral History:
- At age 14, Alex was arrested for vandalism and petty theft.
- By 17, he was expelled from school for assaulting a teacher.
- Alex has had inconsistent employment, frequently quitting or being fired due to conflict with supervisors.
- He has a history of engaging in scams, fraud, and manipulating others for financial gain.
Key Symptoms Observed:
- Deceitfulness: He regularly lies to family members and friends for personal gain.
- Impulsivity: Alex often engages in reckless behavior, including unsafe driving and substance abuse.
- Irritability and Aggression: Frequent physical altercations and verbal outbursts.
- Disregard for Safety: He engages in risky behavior without concern for the consequences.
Interpersonal Style:
Alex is superficially charming and persuasive, often manipulating others to get what he wants. However, his charm quickly fades when he is denied something or challenged.
Antisocial Personality Disorder Test Battery
- Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI): This antisocial personality disorder test showed high risk-taking with a tendency to see relationships as transactional rather than nurturing.
- Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI): He showed an orientation toward fulfilling his needs and wants even if the rights of others are violated in some way on this antisocial personality disorder test.
- The Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire (PDQ): Met the criteria for the diagnosis on this self-report antisocial personality disorder test.
- Projective Tests: Rorschach inkblot showed links to possible trauma and extremely unavailable adults when he was younger, the Thematic Apperception Test, though not explicitly an antisocial personality disorder test, showed evidence of a lack of conscience in social interactions.
Antisocial Personality Disorder Test Results:
Based on the antisocial personality disorder test battery, we felt that he meets the DSM-5 criteria for Antisocial Personality Disorder due to:
- Persistent disregard for others’ rights.
- Failure to conform to social norms and repeated illegal behavior.
- Deceitfulness and manipulation.
- Lack of remorse.
Prognosis and Treatment Challenges:
Individuals with ASPD rarely seek treatment voluntarily. Alex’s lack of insight into his behavior and unwillingness to change pose significant obstacles. Therapy would likely focus on managing impulsivity, developing healthier coping mechanisms, and addressing substance abuse. A repeat antisocial personality disorder test battery may be helpful in a year to see how treatment is progressing.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder Test Case Example
Emily, a 32-year-old marketing executive, was referred for a narcissistic personality disorder test battery after repeated conflicts with colleagues and persistent complaints from her team about her demanding and demeaning behavior. Emily comes from an affluent family, where she was often praised for her looks and achievements but received little emotional support or genuine affection.
Background
- Emily excels professionally but often takes credit for her team’s work while blaming others for failures.
- In her personal life, she has a pattern of short-lived friendships and relationships, often ending them abruptly when she feels unappreciated or criticized.
- Emily has a history of reacting with intense anger or cold detachment when faced with criticism.
Key Symptoms Observed:
- Grandiose Sense of Self-Importance: Emily frequently exaggerates her achievements and expects to be recognized as superior without corresponding accomplishments.
- Preoccupation with Fantasies of Success, Power, and Beauty: She often daydreams about being admired and envied by others.
- Need for Excessive Admiration: Emily requires constant peer, friend, and romantic partner validation.
- Sense of Entitlement: She believes she deserves special treatment and gets irritated when others don’t meet her expectations.
- Exploits Others for Personal Gain: Emily often manipulates coworkers to complete tasks but takes full credit for the results.
- Lack of Empathy: She struggles to recognize or care about others’ feelings, dismissing their concerns as “overly sensitive.”
- Envy and Belief That Others Envy Her: Emily assumes others are jealous of her and can become bitter when she perceives others’ success as a threat.
Interpersonal Style:
Emily can be charming and engaging in social settings, but her charm is often superficial. She struggles to maintain long-term relationships because her behavior oscillates between seeking admiration and devaluing others when they fail to meet her high expectations.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder Test Battery
- Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI): On this narcissistic personality disorder test, Emily showed a grandiose sense of self, lower concern for the feelings of others, and an inflated sense of her accomplishments.
- Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI): Emily showed signs that she had insight into these difficulties when she took this narcissistic personality disorder test. This is a positive sign and shows that she might do well in therapy.
- Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI Test): Although not explicitly a narcissistic personality disorder test, we used the MMPI to see whether Emily has social patterns typical of people who have the diagnosis.
- The Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire (PDQ): On this self-report narcissistic personality disorder test, Emily met the criteria for the diagnosis.
- Projective Tests: On the projective drawing test (the house-tree-person), Emily showed signs of having felt a lack of accurate empathy and caring as a child, which may be another avenue for her to pursue individual therapy. Finding these opportunities is why we often go beyond a simple narcissistic personality disorder test.
Diagnosis:
Based on the narcissistic personality disorder test battery above, Emily meets the following criteria:
- A pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior).
- A need for admiration and a lack of empathy.
- Displays arrogance and haughty behaviors or attitudes.
Prognosis and Treatment Challenges:
Emily entered therapy not because she believed she had a problem but because her employer insisted. She struggles to accept feedback, often perceiving constructive criticism as an attack. Therapy would likely focus on improving self-awareness, developing emotional regulation, and fostering empathy. It might also slowly explore her childhood to see if some of her symptoms can be minimized with further exploration. We plan to do another narcissistic personality disorder test battery in a year to see how things are progressing.
Our Work
It’s important to note that diagnosing these problems can be complex, and accurate assessment often requires careful consideration of multiple sources of information over time. Additionally, we consider cultural factors, individual differences, and any co-occurring mental health conditions. Treatment planning and intervention strategies should be tailored to your needs and circumstances in addition to the results of our testing.
Testing for personality disorders typically involves a comprehensive psychological assessment beyond just diagnosing you. Your personality disorders test report will help you understand how the diagnosis impacts you and the strategies you can develop to overcome challenges. It will point out strengths and potential and the steps you can take to reach them.
If you have any questions about what testing for personality disorders would be like, whether you are an excellent candidate to benefit, what a specific personality disorders test would be like, or if you want to set up an appointment, feel free to schedule a consultation or get in touch.
