A chart review study of male alcoholics differentiated by personality disorder

Abstract

The goal of this study was to compare a group of alcoholics with a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder (BPD) with alcoholics with a diagnosis of mixed personality disorder (MXPD). From a sample of 46 inpatients in a substance abuse treatment center, rediagnosed in accordance with Axes I and II of DSM-III, three groups were formed. Group 1 consisted of 22 patients diagnosed as having borderline personality disorder (BPD22); group 2 consisted of 14 patients with a diagnosis of MXPD, and group 3 included 10 BPDs with a secondary personality disorder diagnosis (BPD10). All three groups were also diagnosed as being alcohol-dependent. The BPD groups did not differ from the MXPD in drinking history or family history of alcohol dependence. However, BPD22 and BPD10 were more likely to be polydrug abusers and had experienced a greater number of medical consequences of drinking than MXPD. BPD22 and BPD10 were also less able than MXPD to live in committed relationships and maintain stable employment. Both BPD22 and BPD10 had experienced significantly more distress in childhood than MXPD, with BPD10 reporting the most distress. The same two groups had had the greatest number of emotional problems in childhood, were the least likely to live in a relationship and keep stable employment, and had the greater number of treatment experiences.