Citation

Casillas A, Clark LA. J. Personal. Disord. 2002; 16(5): 424-436.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, Guilford Publications)

DOI

10.1521/pedi.16.5.424.22124

PMID

12489309

Abstract

Cluster B personality disorders (PDs) (i.e., antisocial, borderline, histrionic, and narcissistic) typically show a high degree of comorbidity with substance use disorders (SUDs). Previous research suggests that the broad-based personality domains of Disinhibition and Negative Temperament/Neuroticism may be common factors to both types of disorders. Using a two-phase process (i.e., screening and follow-up), this study examined three lower-order personality traits (i.e., dependency, impulsivity, and self-harm) that fall within the Disinhibition and Neuroticism domains. The study evaluated the hypotheses that these traits (a) are related both to cluster B PDs and to SUDs; and (b) underlie the association between the two types of disorders.

RESULTS indicate that impulsivity and self-harm play a significant role in cluster B PDs and SUDs, as well as in their association with each other. However, dependency was not associated with either type of disorder. These results indicate that sets of individual traits can be of significant utility in understanding the comorbidity between PDs and SUDs.

Language: en

Keywords

Adolescent; Adult; Comorbidity; Dependency, Psychological; Female; Humans; Impulsive Behavior; Male; Personality; Personality Disorders; Self-Injurious Behavior; Students; Substance-Related Disorders