The relationship between concurrent substance use disorders and eating disorders with personality disorders.
The current pilot study investigated whether patients with concurrent substance use disorders and eating disorders (SUD and ED) who experienced a reduction in SUD and ED symptoms following treatment for SUD and ED also experienced a reduction in personality disorder (PD) symptoms.



Twenty patients with SUD and ED and PD were assessed pre and post treatment using clinical interviews, self-report questionnaires, and a therapist questionnaire on DSM-IV-TR symptoms for PD.



Symptoms for the personality disorders were reduced following treatment. This reduction was correlated with a decrease in the number of symptoms of ED at post treatment.



Chronic concurrent SUD and ED may make it difficult to separate PD symptoms from co-occurring disorders. Many features attributed to PDs may be reduced when problematic substance use and disordered eating are addressed, a fact that may increase clinician and patients'optimism about therapeutic change.
Courbasson
Christine
C
Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 2S1 Canada. Christine_Courbasson@camh.net
Brunshaw
Jacqueline M
JM
D000328:Adult; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011594:Psychometrics; D011613:Psychotherapy; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D055815:Young Adult