This OPD-3 version further refines the comprehensive OPD representation of axes by the OPD Task Force, and can be effectively used for therapy planning, for training in psychodynamic psychotherapy, to provide clinical diagnostic guidelines, and also in research to facilitate greater sample homogenization in studies via the implementation of more rigorous diagnostic criteria.

The Operationalized Psychodynamic Diagnosis (OPD) is a multiaxial psychodynamic diagnostic system that has become a widely accepted standard in psychodynamic diagnostics for clinical practice and research in many countries. Numerous empirical studies have demonstrated the validity of OPD findings. Through its clear operationalization of essential components of psychodynamic models subjective experiences of illness and treatment ideas, problematic relationship patterns, intrapsychic conflicts, and personality functioning (i.e., structural integration) the OPD enables reliable assessment, which is further aided by a wealth of case examples and working materials. The OPD-3 is organized in four axes: • Axis I: Mental Disorders, Experience of Illness, and Prerequisites for Treatment • Axis II: Interpersonal relations • Axis III: Conflict • Axis IV: Structure New in OPD-3: All axes have been further refined with a stronger emphasis on dimensionally-oriented assessment. The dynamic interplay of the axes, especially between conflict and structure, is represented with greater differentiation. Since the OPD is based on a semi-standardized, clinically- oriented interview, this manual is equally suitable for both research and clinical practice. It is an indispensable companion for choosing the most fitting diagnostic tests, determining the focus of treatment, and therapy planning.