DSM-III personality disorders in obsessive-compulsive disorder: changes with treatment

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is often comorbid with personality disorders (PDs).
• Understanding the impact of OCD treatment on personality functioning is crucial for comprehensive patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of clomipramine treatment on personality variables in patients with OCD.
• To examine whether personality factors predict treatment response in OCD.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-seven OCD patients completed the Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire (PDQ) before and after 12 weeks of clomipramine treatment.
• Patients were assessed for changes in PD diagnoses, trait distribution, and endorsed personality items.
• Treatment responders were compared to non-responders and partial responders regarding personality improvement.

Main Results:

• Clomipramine treatment led to significant reductions in PD diagnoses and associated traits among OCD patients.
• Improvement in personality functioning was more pronounced in patients who responded well to treatment.
• Personality factors did not emerge as strong predictors of overall OCD treatment outcome.

Conclusions:

• Clomipramine therapy can positively impact personality functioning in OCD patients.
• While personality improvements correlate with treatment response, personality traits may not be significant prognostic indicators for OCD treatment success.
• Findings suggest potential parallels and divergences with panic/agoraphobia treatment outcomes.