Age-related outcomes associated with personality pathology in later life.

Methodological advances enable the latest research on personality pathology in later life to turn toward understanding the role personality pathology plays in age-related outcomes. Despite indications that some features of personality disorders fade in later life, a prevalence rate of approximately 10 percent has been established for adults aged 50 or older. Personality disorder features have been linked to suicidal ideation, poorer physical health, and cognitive decline in later life. Given these associations, the literature on treatment of personality disorders in this age group is surprisingly scant. Future research needs to address this lack in order to provide guidelines for the use of the DSM-5 Alternative Model for Personality Disorders with older adults.