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Personality disorder in later life: a community study
B J Cohen1, G Nestadt, J F Samuels
1Department of Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD 21287.
Summary
Older adults show lower rates of personality disorders and traits compared to younger individuals. Maladaptive traits may emerge in older populations during stressful periods.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Exploratory study on personality disorders and traits across age groups.
- Examines comorbidity with other psychiatric disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- Compare prevalence of personality disorders and traits in adults over and under 55.
- Investigate age-related differences in personality disorder comorbidity.
Main Methods:
- Two-stage community survey of 810 subjects.
- Standardized Psychiatric Examination for DSM-III diagnoses.
- Psychiatrist-led assessments.
Main Results:
- Older adults (≥55) had significantly lower prevalence of any personality disorder (6.6% vs. 10.5%).
- Antisocial and histrionic personality disorders were less common in older subjects.
- Older subjects exhibited fewer maladaptive personality traits; comorbidity patterns differed by age.
Conclusions:
- Personality assessment is crucial for patients across all age groups.
- While formal personality disorder criteria may not be met by some older adults, maladaptive traits can surface under stress.