Prognostic Significance of Personality Disorders in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Update the evidence regarding how co-occurring personality disorders influence treatment outcomes for major depressive disorder and update the evidence regarding treatment options for personality disorders that are co-occurring with major depressive disorder.

Recent Findings

There is evidence that personality disorders can be effectively treated through a variety of psychotherapeutic modalities. Given the substantial evidence that co-occurring personality disorders impede the recovery from major depressive disorder, comprehensively addressing any co-occurring personality disorders is an essential part of an effective treatment plan for patients with major depressive disorder. Personality disorders such as borderline personality disorder, which is commonly co-occurring with major depressive disorder, have several validated treatment options.

Summary

Since publication of past reviews on the topic, there have been multiple additional studies published to advance the discussion of the impact of personality disorders on treatment outcomes in major depression. There is now substantial evidence that personality disorders can negatively affect treatment outcomes in the setting of major depression, which is consistent with the clinical observation that co-occurring personality disorders need to be comprehensively addressed to achieve optimal outcomes for the individual. There also now exists substantial evidence that personality disorders can be effectively treated using several validated psychotherapeutic modalities. It is recommended that a comprehensive assessment, including assessment for co-occurring personality disorders, is implemented in all cases of major depressive disorder that have not been successfully treated. In those cases where a co-occurring personality disorder is identified, specific treatment for the personality disorder should be recommended.