Co-morbidity of personality disorders in individuals with substance use disorders

This review summarizes the recent literature about personality disorders among substance abusers. First, it will be shown that personality disorders are highly prevalent co-morbid conditions among addicted individuals. Second, it is argued that this co-morbidity is likely to be accounted for by multiple complex etiological relationships. Finally, the clinical relevance of routine assessment of (maladaptive) personality traits in individuals admitting for substance abuse treatment will be discussed. (C) 2001 editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.