M Sack1, U Sachsse, B Overkamp, B Dulz. 1. Klinik für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Langerstrasse 3, Munich, Germany. m.sack@tum.de
Abstract
BACKGROUND: There is current controversy about the diagnostic overlap between personality disorders and trauma-related disorders. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Applying a multicenter study design, trauma-related disorders were investigated via interview assessment in 136 patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) in 5 specialized treatment centers. Additionally a spectrum of psychological symptoms and prevalence of lifetime traumatic experiences were assessed by questionnaire measures. RESULTS: Diagnostic overlap between BPD and PTSD was found to be high (79%) as well as the overlap of BPD with complex PTSD (55%) and severe dissociative disorders (41%). Including neglect and emotional violence as trauma categories, an extremely high prevalence of lifetime traumatic experiences was reported (96%). Experiences of sexual violence were reported by 48% of all female and 28% of all male patients. Severe forms of physical violence were reported by 65% of all patients. CONCLUSIONS: BPD patients with severe psychopathology show a high comorbidity with trauma-related disorders including dissociative disorders. This association has to be taken into account when planning psychological treatment.
BACKGROUND: There is current controversy about the diagnostic overlap between personality disorders and trauma-related disorders. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Applying a multicenter study design, trauma-related disorders were investigated via interview assessment in 136 patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) in 5 specialized treatment centers. Additionally a spectrum of psychological symptoms and prevalence of lifetime traumatic experiences were assessed by questionnaire measures. RESULTS: Diagnostic overlap between BPD and PTSD was found to be high (79%) as well as the overlap of BPD with complex PTSD (55%) and severe dissociative disorders (41%). Including neglect and emotional violence as trauma categories, an extremely high prevalence of lifetime traumatic experiences was reported (96%). Experiences of sexual violence were reported by 48% of all female and 28% of all male patients. Severe forms of physical violence were reported by 65% of all patients. CONCLUSIONS: BPD patients with severe psychopathology show a high comorbidity with trauma-related disorders including dissociative disorders. This association has to be taken into account when planning psychological treatment.
Authors: Mary C Zanarini; Frances R Frankenburg; John Hennen; D Bradford Reich; Kenneth R Silk Journal: Am J Psychiatry Date: 2006-05 Impact factor: 18.112
Authors: M C Zanarini; A A Williams; R E Lewis; R B Reich; S C Vera; M F Marino; A Levin; L Yong; F R Frankenburg Journal: Am J Psychiatry Date: 1997-08 Impact factor: 18.112