Introduzione alla terza edizione del Manuale Diagnostico Psicodinamico (PDM-3)

Abstract. The third edition of the Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual (PDM-3) is presented. The first part covers the following topics: the rationale for the PDM-3 classification system; the dif-ferences between the PDM and the DSM and ICD systems; a comparison between the PDM-3 and other diagnostic systems; diagnostic approaches compatible with the PDM-3; the DSM-5 “Alternative Model for Personality Disorders” (AMPD); the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psycho-pathology (HiTOP); the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) approach; network approaches; and the Power Threat Meaning Perspective method. The structure of the PDM-3 is then presented, with a description of its three axes: the profile of Mental functioning (Axis M), Personality styles and disorders (Axis P), and the subjective experience of Symptom patterns (Axis S), along with their order in the various sections; psychological experiences that may require clinical attention; the Psychodiagnostic Chart (PDC). Finally, the main changes in the PDM-3 are described, and some considerations are made on the terminology that the PDM-3 has chosen to adopt.