OBSTETRIC COMPLICATIONS AS A RISK FACTOR FOR SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT OF PERSONALITY-DISORDERS

Obstetric complications were studied as risk factors for subsequent de velopment of mental disorders. The occurrence in patients with DSM-III -R personality disorders, particularly borderline disorders (schizotyp al and/or borderline) and Cluster B disorder was compared to the occur rence in patients with schizophrenia and affective disorders, and to c ontrols. We could not demonstrate any significant differences between these groups. The patients in the study group had a significantly lowe r weight at birth than the controls. These mainly negative findings ar e discussed in relation to the increased number of studies that report frequent obstetric complications in patients with schizophrenia and w ith self-destructive behavior.