PERSONALITY-DISORDER IN OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE VOLUNTEERS, WELL COMPARISON SUBJECTS, AND THEIR 1ST-DEGREE RELATIVES

Objective: The authors sought to determine the frequency of DSM-III pe rsonality disorders in subjects with obsessive-compulsive disorder, we ll comparison subjects, and their first-degree relatives. Method: Thir ty-two subjects with obsessive-compulsive disorder and 33 age- (within 5 years) and gender-matched well comparison subjects were assessed wi th the Structured Interview for DSM-III Personality Disorder and sever al self-report instruments. Their first-degree relatives were assessed in a blind manner with the same instruments. Results: Subjects with o bsessive-compulsive disorder were more likely than well comparison sub jects to have a personality disorder, but compulsive personality was n ot the most frequent. No significant differences were found in the pre valence of personality disorders among first-degree relatives, includi ng compulsive personality, or in obsessional, hysterical, or oral char acter traits. Conclusions: Personality disorders are highly prevalent among patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder, but the data do not support a relationship between obsessive-compulsive disorder and comp ulsive personality.