Personality disorders in treatment - seeking substance dependent patients

ABSTRACT

Co-morbidity of personality disorders with illicit drug abuse has a deleterious effect on the management outcome of both conditions. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of different personality disorders among substance dependent patients in an Iranian city [Isfahan] with a view to have a better understanding of various management strategies. A total of 368 different patients with substance dependency [363 men, 5 women; mean age 29 +/- 9 years] were selected for the study. Using a Persian translation of DSM-IV, information was collected on [i] demographic data; and [ii] personality disorders criteria. A total of 299 clients [81.3%] had at least one personality disorder. Lower level of education, younger age and being married were significantly associated with a higher prevalence of personality disorders. Our findings indicate the importance of assessment of personality disorder for all patients with substance abuse/dependency in order to draw up a more effective management strategy