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Updated: Aug 8, 2026
09:55
Use of a Psychophysiological Script-driven Imagery Experiment to Study Trauma-related Dissociation in Borderline Personality Disorder
Published on: March 8, 2018
Personality disorders and medical comorbidity
Frances R Frankenburg1, Mary C Zanarini
1Boston University School of Medicine, Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial VAMC, Bedford, MA 01730, USA. Frances.Frankenburg@med.va.gov
Current Opinion in Psychiatry
|May 25, 2006
Summary
Individuals with personality disorders experience significant medical comorbidity, impacting their health and complicating chronic illnesses. Awareness and further research into this connection are crucial for effective clinical care.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Internal Medicine
- Medical Psychology
Background:
- Medical comorbidity is often overlooked in personality disorders.
- Existing research highlights the clinical significance of medical comorbidity in these conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the association between personality disorders and medical comorbidity.
- To emphasize the clinical importance of recognizing medical issues in patients with personality disorders.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies examining medical comorbidity in personality disorders.
- Analysis of findings related to general health, specific disorders (e.g., borderline personality disorder), and medication effects.
Main Results:
- Individuals with personality disorders report lower perceived fitness compared to the general population.
- Comorbidity with other psychiatric conditions like depression exacerbates health problems.
- Active borderline personality disorder is linked to a higher burden of medical issues.
- Personality disorders can complicate the management of chronic medical conditions.
- Psychotropic medication use in personality disorders may contribute to medical illnesses.
Conclusions:
- Clinicians must consider potential medical comorbidity in patients with personality disorders.
- Increased awareness and further research are necessary to address this complex relationship.
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