Cognitive vulnerabilities and other underlying maladaptive personality characteristics should not simply be viewed as part of depression. To do so opens the door to treatment failure and recurring episodes of depression and other difficulties. These stable traits are present even if a mood disorder is currently absent, and are personality variables which lead to distress and interpersonal problems themselves. These trait-like structures can be viewed dimensionally and when creating functional impairment, can be treated as depressive traits and depressive personality disorder. Learn why depressive personality disorder can help call attention to important maladaptive personality variables and should be included in DSM-V and ICD-11. DPD can be coded as Personality Disorder NOS and depressive traits can also be noted on Axis II.

This book answers the question “Does Depressive Personality Disorder exist?” with a concise, readable review of current research. DPD is a valid and clinically useful concept which should be included in DSM-V and ICD-11. DPD was offered as both a diagnosis for further study and an example of a diagnosis that can be made under Personality Disorder NOS in the DSM-IV and DSM-IV-TR. The book is intended for professionals, students and anyone else interested in character traits which impact mood. It offers a view of depressive personality disorder supported by current research. Gain a firm background in recent research and theory on DPD and understand its relationship to chronic depression, dysthymic disorder, cognitive vulnerabilities to depression and the Five-Factor Model of Personality.