Dramatic-erratic personality disorder symptoms: II. Developmental pathwaysfrom early adolescence to adulthood

This study examined the relationship over time between Cluster B personalit y disorder symptoms (borderline, histrionic, and narcissistic symptoms) and comorbid internalizing and externalizing symptoms in a community sample of 407 adolescents. Cross-lagged longitudinal models tested (a) the hypothesi s that Cluster B symptoms reflect primary disturbances that give rise to co -occurring internalizing and externalizing symptoms; and (b) the alternativ e hypothesis that these Axis I symptom clusters reflect primary problems th at interfere with normal personality development. Internalizing and externa lizing symptoms each predicted subsequent Cluster B symptoms in girls. alth ough these effects occurred only at specific developmental stages. Cluster B symptoms in boys and girls at ages 10 to 14 years predicted externalizing symptoms two years later. instead of clearly supporting one hypothesis ove r the other, longitudinal models suggested gender-specific developmental ef fects that were partially consistent with both hypotheses.