Genderbias en persoonlijkheidsstoornissen

BACKGROUND: The introduction of the DSM-III in 1980 has resulted in ideological controversy about possible gender biases that might threaten the validity of psychiatric diagnoses, particularly personality disorders. AIM: To critically review the scientific evidence for prevalence differences associated with gender and gender bias in the diagnosis of personality disorders. METHOD: Critical literature review. RESULTS: Research shows that: (1) prevalence differences associated with gender are plausible; (2) the nature and size of these differences are to date unknown; (3) gender bias is evident at the level of the clinical evaluation but not at the level of the classification system; and (4) the observed gender bias primarily occurs at the diagnostic but not at the criterion level. CONCLUSION: Empirical studies of gender bias in the diagnosis of personality disorders point to the importance of a thorough examination of personality pathology at the level of the specific diagnostic criteria for example by using a semistructured interview schedule.