Age-related outcomes associated with personality pathology in later life

Abstract

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.

Personality Disorders in Late Life

“…PDs in adults have been found to be associated with higher risk for cardiovascular disease, independent of socioeconomic status or lifestyle (Moran et al, 2007). PDs are associated with higher risk of suicidal ideation and cognitive decline in later life (Cruitt & Oltmanns, 2018). A personality disorder comorbid with a depressive disorder more than doubles the odds of a poor outcome in depression treatment compared to those with no personality disorder (Schuster et al, 2013).…”

Gestandaardiseerd meten van persoonlijkheids­stoornissen bij ouderen

“…4 Daarbij worden op oudere leeftijd kenmerken van een persoonlijkheidsstoornis niet alleen geassocieerd met somatische comorbiditeit, maar ook met suïcidale ideatie en cognitieve achteruitgang. 5 Een Amerikaanse nationale survey naar alcoholgebruik en daaraan gerelateerde condities bevestigt dat bij ouderen de aanwezigheid van een persoonlijkheidsstoornis samengaat met een lagere levenskwaliteit, meer invaliditeit, en meer somatische en psychische ziekten. 6 Persoonlijkheidsstoornissen hebben kortom een enorme impact op de gezondheidszorg.…”

Borderline personality disorder in the elderly: brief review

“…Despite being uncommon, suicide attempts in elderly tend to be life threatening. [12][13][14][15] On the other hand, it has been described that the symptoms that persist with age are emotional instability and dysfunctional interpersonal relationships characterized by lack of empathy, generating chaotic environments in the home, work and other places corresponding to the context of the elderly. It has also been seen that there is a high prevalence of depression in old age that is often confused with the variable mood symptoms of BPD, assuming that its presence could affect its course and contribute to the predominance of negative affectivity.…”