Personality disorders and quality of life. A population study

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between specific personality disorders (PDs) and specific aspects of quality of life in the common population. The sample consisted of 2053 individuals between 18 and 65 years old. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Revised Third Edition (DSM-III-R), axis I was studied by means of a structured interview (Composite International Diagnostic Interview) and axis II by means of a Structured Interview for DSM-III-R Personality Disorders; sociodemographic variables were taken into account, and broad aspects of quality of life were included. Personality disorders appeared to be more important statistical predictors of quality of life than sociodemographic variables, somatic health, and axis I disorder. Those with avoidant, schizotypal, paranoid, schizoid, and borderline PDs had the strongest and broadest reduction in quality of life, whereas those with histrionic, obsessive-compulsive, passive-aggressive, and sadistic PDs did not show any reduction. A number of specific relationships occurred. Furthermore, the more PDs that existed and the more personality criteria fulfilled, the poorer the quality of life, pointing to the importance of comorbidity and continuity.