Personality disorders in older adults: findings from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the prevalence, sociodemographic correlates, psychiatric and medical comorbidities, and the disability of personality disorders among adults age 65 years and older.

Methods: Data were drawn from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions, focusing on a subsample of 8,205 adults age 65 years and older.

Results: A total of 8.07% (SE: 0.37) of American adults age 65 years and older presented at least one personality disorder. The most prevalent personality disorder was the obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. The overall pattern of associations between each personality disorder and lifetime psychiatric comorbidity correlates was statistically significant. Participants with a personality disorder show a lower quality of life than their counterparts.

Conclusions: Personality disorders in older adults are highly associated with disability, medical, and psychiatric disorders. These findings highlight the need to develop more effective prevention and intervention programs in this specific population.

Keywords: Personality disorders; epidemiology.