The Relationship between Personality Disorder Features and Symptom Improvement at an Inpatient Treatment Program for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

This study examined the association between personality disorder (PD) features and symptom improvement among adult survivors of childhood trauma in an inpatient program for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Participants completed questionnaires at admission, discharge, and six months following discharge. Multiple regression analyses were used to assess the combined effects of personality features on symptom improvement. Results indicated that improvement in trauma-related symptoms was not related to PD features. By contrast, the PD features were associated with change in other Axis I symptoms often comorbid with PTSD. Overall, results suggested that PD features do not impede improvement in trauma-related symptoms; however, specific accommodations might be needed to address comorbid disorders among individuals with PTSD.