Prevalence of personality disorders during the years 2003-2009 at the Institute of ClinicalPsychology, University of Karachi

ABSTRACT

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the prevalence rate of personality disorders reported at Institute of Clinical Psychology, University of Karachi-Pakistan during the years 2003-2009. Following archival method the total sample was consisted of [3917] registered clients out of which [88] were diagnosed on Axis II [Personality Disorders] according to DSM-IV-TR [2000] text revised criteria. The whole sample went through complete psychological assessment by trained clinical psychologists. All registered cases of year 2003-2009 were selected and files of personality disorders were reviewed. Demographic variables and their diagnoses were observed and analyzed. Frequency distribution and percentages of descriptive statistic were calculated. Findings showed that there are [2.22%] of cases, diagnosed on axis II [Personality disorders]. Borderline personality disorder [18.18%], Histrionic Personality Disorder [14.94%], and Narcissistic Personality Disorder [12.64%] have high prevalence rate as compared to other personality disorders. Furthermore, these personality disorders were mostly prevalent in single males belonging to middle class nuclear family systems. Present prevalence rate showed that people coming to psychological clinics are mostly diagnosed with Cluster B personality disorders. Awareness Programs should be developed for early identification of these disorders