The diagnosis and assessment of personality disorders has lagged considerably behind that of most other mental disorders. However, the IPDE is an instrument which is compatible, through two modules, with both ICD-10 and DSM-IV criteria. In the form of a semi-structured clinical interview, it provides a means of measuring major categories of personality disorders which have been previously ignored. It is also unique in that it seeks to secure reliable and uniform diagnosis which is both internationally and cross-culturally acceptable. Written by leading international authorities, this volume forms an invaluable reference manual to the IPDE instrument and its development. Its first section includes an overview of the worldwide field trials of the interview and aspects of epidemiology which affect the current status of diagnosis and assessment research. The second section detailing the full interview schedule and scoring system for the instrument will further facilitate its use by both clinician and researcher.
