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Personality disorders in late life.
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3362, Durham, NC 27710, USA. lynch011@mc.duke.edu
Current Psychiatry Reports
|December 21, 2000
Summary
Elderly individuals with chronic depression often have comorbid personality disorders. Treatment for these conditions in older adults is complex and requires further investigation for improved outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric psychiatry
- Clinical psychology
Background:
- Chronic depression in the elderly is frequently comorbid with personality disorders.
- Prevalence rates of personality disorders in older adults are similar to younger populations, contrary to prior beliefs.
- Personality dysfunction impacts treatment response and relapse in late-life depression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the concept of personality disorders in late-life.
- To examine the prevalence of personality disorders in elderly populations.
- To explore treatment challenges and advancements for older adults with personality disorders and depression.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on geriatric depression and personality disorders.
- Analysis of recent meta-analyses on personality disorder prevalence in older adults.
- Discussion of clinical implications and treatment strategies.
Main Results:
- Empirical evidence supports high comorbidity of personality disorders in elderly patients with chronic depression.
- Meta-analysis indicates similar prevalence of personality disorders in older and younger adults.
- Personality-disordered elderly patients may show reduced responsiveness to standard mental health interventions.
Conclusions:
- Personality disorders are a significant, often overlooked, factor in late-life depression.
- Understanding and addressing personality dysfunction is crucial for improving depression remission and preventing relapse in older adults.
- Further research into tailored treatments for this population is warranted.