What is the SCID-5-SPQ?
The SCID-5 Screening Personality Questionnaire (SCID-5-SPQ) is a yes/no questionnaire published by the American Psychiatric Association. It is the self-report companion to the SCID-5-PD, the structured clinical interview that professionals use to assess personality disorders according to DSM-5.
The questions are grouped by the ten DSM-5 personality disorders: avoidant, dependent, obsessive-compulsive, paranoid, schizotypal, schizoid, histrionic, narcissistic, borderline and antisocial. Each “yes” simply shows which areas a clinician may want to explore further in an interview. The questionnaire is deliberately sensitive, so most people answer “yes” to a number of items — that is expected and does not mean you have a personality disorder.
Who should take it?
The SPQ is designed for adults, ideally as part of an assessment with a mental health professional. It may be useful if you notice long-standing patterns in how you relate to others, manage emotions or see yourself that cause you distress or difficulty in relationships or work.
How to take it
Think about how you have generally been over the years, not just how you feel today. Answer “Yes” if a question applies to you fully or partly, and “No” if it doesn’t. If a question is unclear, you can leave it blank. There are 106 questions, so allow around 15–20 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Does this questionnaire diagnose a personality disorder?
No. The SPQ is a screening tool only. It has no official total score or cut-off, and a diagnosis can only be made by a qualified clinician through a full interview.
I answered “yes” to many questions — should I worry?
Not necessarily. Many traits described here are common and can even be strengths. Your answers are best discussed with a therapist, who can put them in context.
Some questions ask about my childhood. Why?
Personality patterns usually develop early. The questions about behaviour before age 15 help clinicians understand how long-standing certain patterns are.
Medical review and sources
Rights: SCID-5-SPQ © 2016 American Psychiatric Association Publishing. Arabic translation used under licence.