Difficulties With the Conceptualization and Assessment of Criterion A in the DSM–5 Alternative Model of Personality Disorder: A Reply to Morey (2019)

The DSM–5 introduced an alternative model of personality disorders that is predicated on the presence of personality dysfunction (Criterion A) and pathological personality traits (Criterion B). Recently, a member of the DSM–5 Personality and Personality Disorder Work Group—Morey—published a measure of Criterion A. Our study (Sleep, Lynam, Widiger, Crowe, & Miller, 2019, this issue) examined the performance of Morey’s (2017) Levels of Personality Functioning Scale—Self-Report (LFPS-SR) by testing its factor structure, relations with Axis I and II symptoms, and its incremental validity in predicting traditional personality disorders in comparison to Criterion B traits. In his response, Morey raised a number of issues regarding our examination of the LPFS-SR in relation to its factor structure, discriminant validity, and incremental validity. Moreover, he suggested our approach (i.e., pitting Criterion A vs. B) is emblematic of problems in the field that contributed to the relegating of the AMPD to Section III (on emerging measures and models). In our response, we answer his criticisms.