Assessment and importance of personality disorders in medical patients: Anupdate

Background. Personality disorders in medical patients have received less at tention than depression, anxiety, or somatization. Method, We conducted a selective literature search to assess the role of pe rsonality disorders in medical patients. Results. Review of recent studies suggests a high prevalence and morbidity of personality disorders in medical populations. Important correlates in se lected groups are depression, somatization, noncompliance, sexual risk taki ng, and substance abuse. Difficulties in physician-patient relationships ar e also frequently reported. Psychiatric interventions are considered benefi cial, though no single treatment of choice is available. Conclusions. We recommend that physicians consider the possibility of perso nality disorders in medical patients to choose appropriate treatments for s elected symptoms. Training in interviewing skills may enhance recognition o f personality disorders and management of associated psychiatric conditions .