Personality disorders and traits as predictors of incident cardiovascular disease: findings from the 23-year follow-up of the Baltimore ECA study.
BACKGROUND
Over the past several decades, the relationship between personality traits and heart disease has interested clinicians and researchers alike.


OBJECTIVE
The authors investigated personality disorders (PDs) and PD dimensional traits as prospective risk factors for incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the Baltimore Epidemiologic Catchment Area (ECA) follow-up study.


METHODS
In 1981, 244 community residents were examined for DSM-III PDs, and PD dimensional traits and were followed for incident CVD by 2004.


RESULTS
Logistic-regression models with or without adjustment for potential confounders revealed that Cluster B PD and PD dimensional traits at baseline were consistently associated with increased risk of incident CVD by 2004. Post-hoc analysis also revealed that Cluster B PD and traits also predict CVD mortality.


CONCLUSIONS
Cluster B PDs and dimensional traits may be independent risk factors for incident CVD in the community.
Lee
Hochang Benjamin
HB
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 4th Floor, 5300 Alpha Commons Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA. Hochang@jhmi.edu
Bienvenu
O Joseph
OJ
Cho
Seong-Jin
SJ
Ramsey
Christine M
CM
Bandeen-Roche
Karen
K
Eaton
William W
WW
Nestadt
Gerald
G
D000328:Adult; D015142:Baltimore / Q000453:epidemiology; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002391:Catchment Area, Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007406:Interview, Psychological / Q000379:methods; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D015588:Observer Variation; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010551:Personality; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012307:Risk Factors