[Eating disorders and personality disorders--possible interactions and their therapeutic implications].
Personality disorders are defined by a characteristic and enduring pattern of behaviour and inner experience that deviates distinctly from culturally defined norms. Examples include social insecurity or even distrust leading to withdrawal, or patterns of impulsiveness, affective instability or, possibly, self-harm. Personality disorders are distinct from other psychiatric disorders primarily by their enduring character. The prevalence of personality disorders among patients with eating disorders depends on population characteristics. In a specialised outpatient clinic that serves a defined catchment area, nearly one third of patients will fulfill the diagnostic criteria for a personality disorder. Hospitalized patients or patients in more specialised units will surely show a considerably higher prevalence. Several modes of interaction between eating disorders and personality disorders could be hypothesized. The treatment of patients with eating disorder should take into account the subgroup with comorbid personality pathology and evaluation and treatment should be planned accordingly, though this requires time and expertise. The issue should also be acknowledged in primary health care and attention be paid to symptoms of eating disorder also in cases in which symptoms of a personality disorder are more pronounced.
Godt
Kristine
K
Center for Spiseforstyrrelser, Børne- og Ungdomspsykiatrisk Hospital, DK-8240 Risskov. kgd@buh.aaa.dk
D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy