Personality disorder in HIV infection

Abstract

Few studies have examined the association of personality disorders and HIV infection. Although limited by methodological considerations, most studies to date suggest that individuals who are HIV-infected have a higher prevalence of borderline and antisocial personality disorder. Explanations for this phenomenon are tentative. Studies suggest that impulsivity and substance abuse are associated both with HIV-high risk behavior and personality disorder. It is plausible, therefore, that the poor impulse control and substance abuse which often accompany personality disorder may lead to the practice of high risk behaviors, thus placing uninfected individuals with personality disorder at increased risk for HIV infection. Treatment of HIV infected individuals with personality disorders is time consuming and difficult. Psychodynamic as well as cognitive approaches have been utilized.