A brief report on the implementation of the alternative model for personality disorders in clinical practice

The Alternative DSM-5 Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD) was introduced in the Fifth Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as a dimensional alternative to the traditional categorical model. Despite considerable research, systematic implementation in clinical practice has remained limited. This article reports on the implementation of the AMPD in an institution that specializes in the assessment and treatment of personality disorders to offer guidance for other teams considering the adoption of the AMPD. Implementation involved developing a multimethod assessment procedure and a training and supervision program, reformulating treatment inclusion criteria in AMPD terms, and developing communication strategies for internal and external stakeholders. Both barriers to and benefits of implementing the AMPD are discussed. Surveys conducted 2 and 4 months after implementation showed that clinicians were increasingly positive, reported growing competence, and generally favored AMPD-based assessments over the traditional assessments. These first experiences suggest that transitioning to the AMPD model is feasible and clinically meaningful.