Science Update
October 18, 2007
National Survey Tracks Prevalence of Personality Disorders in U.S. Population
NIMH-funded researchers recently reported that roughly nine
percent of ?>
Personality disorders, which include borderline personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, and other similar illnesses, were first defined by the DSM as diagnosable illnesses in 1980. Past research on personality disorders tended to involve study populations that were not representative of the general public and often used poorly standardized assessment tools. Therefore, previous estimates of prevalence were not widely applicable. By contrast, this study’s sample was nationally representative and employed the International Personality Disorder Examination (IPDE), a rigorous semi-structured clinical interview to diagnose personality disorders.
To determine how common personality disorders are in the
The researchers found that the prevalence for any personality
disorder in the
The researchers also found that people with personality disorders are very likely to have co-occurring major mental disorders, including anxiety disorders (e.g., panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder), mood disorders (e.g., depression, bipolar disorder), impulse control disorders (e.g., attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), and substance abuse or dependence. The association between personality disorders and major mental disorders may affect functioning and help-seeking behaviors, but the researchers caution that further research is needed to support this finding.
Lenzenweger MF, Lane MC, Loranger AW, Kessler RC. DSM-IV personality disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Biol Psychiatry. 2007 Sep 15;62(6):553-64.