Personality Disorders in Treatment - Seeking Substance Dependent Patients

Objective: 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. Methods: 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. Results: 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. Conclusion: 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.