Personality disorders in older adults: emerging research issues

Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2015 Jan;17(1):538. doi: 10.1007/s11920-014-0538-9.

Abstract

Empirical research focusing on personality disorders (PDs) among older adults is mainly limited to studies on psychometric properties of age-specific personality tests, the age neutrality of specific items/scales, and validation of personality inventories for older adults. We identified only two treatment studies-one on dialectical behavior therapy and one on schema therapy-both with promising results among older patients despite small and heterogeneous populations. More rigorous studies incorporating age-specific adaptations are needed. Furthermore, in contrast to increasing numbers of psychometric studies, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-5 pays little attention to the characteristics of older adults with PDs. Moreover, the constructs "personality change due to another medical condition" and "late-onset personality disorder" warrant further research among older adults. These needs will become even more pressing given the aging society worldwide.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging / psychology*
  • Behavior Therapy / methods
  • Humans
  • Personality Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Personality Disorders / psychology
  • Personality Disorders / therapy*