THE NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL TREATMENT OF AXIS I CONDITIONS IN THE PRESENCE OF COMORBID PERSONALITY DISORDERS: A REVIEW OF THE LAST FIVE YEARS

This paper looks at the impact of comorbid personality disorders on the non-pharmacological treatment of Axis I disorders. It provides a review of the empirical literature on treating Axis I disorders in those who have a comorbid personality disorder. Research suggests that treating such persons provides some measure of symptomatic relief in the majority of cases. However, progress is often slower and overall level of functioning lower for those with personality disorders when compared to their non-personality disordered counterparts. Brief treatments for the Axis I disorders in those with comorbid personality disorders appear to be necessary but not sufficient. Some measure of success can be achieved in treating Axis I disorders, although gains may be less significant. Implications are discussed for further research. (Contains 66 references.) (JDM) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document